You Belong
Welcome to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church:
a people gathered, formed, and sent by God’s grace.
You Belong
Welcome to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church:
a people gathered, formed, and sent by God’s grace.
Welcome All!
We gather to worship God, whose nature is love.
And because God’s love knows no bounds, All are welcome here.
St. Paul’s is a place of worship and welcome that values all people, embraces diversity, and respects differences. We believe in God’s boundless love for all people—ALL ages, races, abilities, ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities, expressions, and life circumstances.
We joyfully celebrate the diversity of All God’s children
as we are inspired by the Holy Spirit to love as Jesus loves.
Welcome to God’s extravagant, inclusive love!
Welcome to St. Paul’s!
What’s Happening in the Coming Weeks
At St. Paul’s, there’s always something meaningful to look forward to! Whether you’re looking to connect with others, grow in your faith, or simply join in community, this is the place to stay up to date on the life of our church family.
What’s Happening
At St. Paul’s, there’s always something meaningful to look forward to! Whether you’re looking to connect with others, grow in your faith, or simply join in community, this is the place to stay up to date on the life of our church family.
Intersections: Iowa’s Cancer Crisis
Iowa has the second highest cancer incidence rate in the nation and is one of only three states where the rate is rising. While the United States has a declining overall cancer rate, Iowa’s is sharply increasing. More than 170,000 Iowans share the experience of living with a past or current cancer diagnosis, and many more have lost loved ones to cancer. The Environmental Risk Factors and Iowa’s Cancer Crisis project was developed by the Iowa Environmental Council and The Harkin Institute based on feedback from hundreds of Iowans who are asking: What makes Iowa an outlier for cancer? What is unique about our state? Join Kerri Johannsen, Senior Director of Policy and Programs for the Iowa Environmental Council, on Friday, October 2, from 11:45 a.m.–1:00 p.m. in the Wesley Center at St. Paul’s for Interfaith Alliance of Iowa’s monthly Intersections gathering. Kerri, an author of this report, will present findings on pesticides, nitrates, PFAS, and radon, and their associations with cancer in Iowa. In addition, she will share actionable ways you can get involved in the movement for change. There are three ways to attend: in person with lunch ($15), in person without lunch (free), or online via YouTube (free). Registration is required for all three options; click here to register.
Mending Café
Do you have holes to be patched, buttons to be sewn on, jeans to be hemmed, or elastic to be replaced? Join experienced menders for a Mending Café on Saturday, October 3, from 10:00–11:30 a.m. in the Annex building. We provide sewing machines and mending experience; you provide the project! If you are good with needle and thread and interested in helping with the Mending Cafe, please reach out to Jane Nesmith.
Block Party
Join the St. Paul’s & Wellington Heights Block Party on Sunday, October 4, from 3:00–5:00 p.m. on the church grounds. We’re celebrating the fall season, our congregational ties, and World Communion Sunday, a day of unity and community! The event will include congregational talent on stage, games for kids of all ages, a collaborative art project, a social justice project booth, kids’ crafts, free fall food treats reflecting our congregation’s cultural diversity, and time to chat and catch up with friends old and new! No need to register; just plan to attend and support our beautiful community at St Paul’s and our Wellington Heights neighborhood! Do you have mini pumpkins you could donate for the kids’ art project? Please drop them off at the church starting in September. (We need about 50.) If you’d like to join the fun as a volunteer, please sign up here.
We’d love to showcase your talent on the Block Party stage! Talent of all sorts is invited. We hope to find musicians, singers, dancers, poets, family-friendly comics, and storytellers. Please contact Bruce Nesmith if you’re interested in performing.
A Place For All People
St. Paul’s United Methodist Church has been a cornerstone of our community for more than 175 years. Our doors are wide open to people from all walks of life, and our history is rich with stories of being a welcoming and safe space for newcomers. As a multicultural, intergenerational church, we are home to people who’ve grown up here, many who are transplants to our community, and families from African countries, such as Burundi, Tanzania, and Rwanda. Every week, we offer traditional, contemporary, and African National worship services.
Together, we gather to experience God’s grace, grow in faith, and love our neighbors through justice and outreach. Whether you’re just beginning your spiritual journey or looking to deepen your relationship with Christ, you are invited to join us.
Come be a part of a loving, compassionate, and faith-filled community.
African National worship is held on Saturdays and Sundays. These services are conducted in Kirundi and Swahili, with translation available in English and French.
A Community with Purpose
You’ll find our mission is simple yet powerful. We are guided by the teachings of Christ, and believe that living out our faith means loving God with all our hearts and extending that love to others.
St. Paul’s UMC is passionate about creating opportunities for people to encounter God’s love through worship, service, and meaningful connections. Whether it’s through local outreach projects, global missions, or simply being a supportive presence for those in need, you’ll discover you can live your faith in practical, impactful ways, making a positive difference in the world by serving others. Here you can believe in the power of community and build strong relationships that foster growth, healing, and transformation.
At the heart of everything we do is a deep desire to follow Christ’s example of love, service, and compassion. By loving God and serving others, we can transform lives—within our church family, in our community, and in the world.
We Worship Together
Whether in person or online, our worship services are filled with uplifting music, inspiring messages, and a deep sense of connection. Every Sunday, we gather to praise God, grow in faith, and support one another on our spiritual journeys. Wherever you are in life, you’ll find a place to belong in our worship experience.
We Learn and Grow
Through small groups, Bible study, and educational programs for all ages, we create opportunities for spiritual development and deeper understanding of God’s Word. Whether you’re seeking to explore your faith for the first time or looking to deepen your relationship with Christ, you’ll find a supportive community ready to walk with you as you grow.
We Go Out Into the World
Faith moves us beyond the walls of the church. We are called to serve our community and the world by living out Christ’s love through action. Whether it’s feeding the hungry, supporting local initiatives, or engaging in global missions, we are committed to making a meaningful impact. Together, let’s go out into the world with open hearts.
A Story of Hope
At St. Paul’s UMC, we believe that each of us is part of God’s unfolding story of love, grace, and redemption. From the earliest days of our faith to today, God has been writing a story of hope and transformation, and we are invited to play a role in the greatest story of all.
As we follow Christ, we become part of this broad narrative—one that brings healing to the world and points to God’s unending love. Together, we’re writing the next chapter, and there’s a place for you in this story.
Express Yourself
Celebrate the unique gifts and talents that God has given you. Whether through music, art, service, or leadership, express your faith in ways that are meaningful to you. When we use creativity and passion to glorify God and serve others, we experience the fullness of who we are created to be.
Your voice and contributions matter—there’s a place here for you to share and shine.
