Our Stories

Real People, Real Journeys

Our Stories

Real Journeys

At St. Paul’s UMC, our community is built on the unique stories of its members. From lifelong churchgoers to those new to the faith, each person brings a rich perspective on what makes St. Paul’s special.

Here in Our Stories, our members share their heartfelt experiences—why they love St. Paul’s, the impact it has had on their lives, and how this place continues to foster deep connections through faith, service, and fellowship. These stories are a testament to the spirit of love and inclusivity that defines our church family.

A Place of Acceptance

Selenthia has found a place of acceptance at St. Paul’s UMC, a place where she is valued.

… to be in a place where we could see that people loved us just for who we were … it was an easy choice to say yes to St Paul’s and we became members a year later and this community and this church has been a sanctuary to us every Sunday …

Hi, I’m Holli Schneekloth, and I’m here to tell you why St. Paul’s.  Throughout my time here, I have felt so much love, care, and compassion from this faith community. And the biggest time was when we were going through the loss of our daughter. When she was sick, and through her funeral and everything. We experienced so much love, so much compassion, so much time, and caring that people offered us. Even to this day, they ask me to tell stories and stuff about her, and it’s just good to have a place that feels like family. And I know they care about me and that they love me. And it’s wonderful to have an opportunity to be able to return the care, and the love, and the compassion to others. Not just here at St. Paul’s but to our growing community, and it extends out into the world. I am grateful to be a part of a place that is empathy and compassion and truly living out Christ’s word.

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Why St. Paul's? Caring and Compassionate

Hi, I’m Brice AntonJensen and we originally came to St. Paul’s because of our children. And we have kept going to St. Paul’s because I am involved with the singing programs both Sanctuary Choir and Men’s Ensemble. And the bond spiritual bond that I’ve come to grow in with those people plus then serving on Church Council the spiritual bond I’ve had with those people and so it’s been a really good experience through the many years and looking forward to having even more experiences like that.

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Why St. Paul's? Community

I’m Barb Oakland we’ve been members of St. Paul’s for thirteen years now. We joined when we moved back to my home territory on Jerry’s retirement and we have been blessed with the many opportunities we’ve had here at St. Paul’s. My why would be the opportunities for spiritual growth and renewal. Every Sunday morning I can recommit myself to my faith in God and my love for God’s people. The creative worship and the inspiring messages we have here at St. Paul’s refresh my spirit weekly. The first Sunday we were here the congregation sang the benediction with the words “May you know that God walks with you, from your side will never stray.” I knew at that moment this is where I belonged. Choir adds a wonderful dimension for expressing my faith and inviting others to the joy of being part of God’s kin-dom. United Women in Faith offers retreats every year renewing and refreshing our spirits as we experience a day apart with others on the journey. Two new experiences are Terra Divina led by Stephanie where we connect with God’s creation and Lectio Divina which is when we read scripture and reflect and share on the meaning for our personal experiences. We are apart of a small Sunday school class where we address challenging topics and we form close relationships. St. Paul’s offers so much to support and sustain me in my spiritual growth. I would invite others to this amazing place for learning and for loving all of God’s children.

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Why St. Paul's? Spiritual Growth Opportunities

Hi, I’m Nancy AntonJensen, and I go to St. Paul’s Methodist Church. And my why for why I go here is spiritual formation and growth. I have learned so many things through here, a lot of traditional ways, Bible study, and things, but also we have an art ministry that has inspired me and made me grow in so many different ways and made me, helped me connect with other people and with God.

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Why St. Paul's? Faith Formation and Growth

Hello, my name is L.J. Schneekloth a member of St. Paul’s. Why I chose St. Paul’s Well, I could take the easy way out of this little project and say I chose St. Paul’s because my wife works here, which she does. However, that’s not the reason why I became a member at St. Paul’s. The reason why I became a member of St. Paul’s is watching through the years the changes that have been happening at the United Methodist Church and finally choosing a direction to go to make the changes that needed to be made for many, many years. With inclusion and, making everyone welcome, and actually following that guideline, it really really is a passion of mine. And so knowing that St. Paul’s is following that direction as well made it a perfect fit for me to dig my boots in and go. Because let’s face it, folks, the church is beyond the multiple walls of St. Paul’s. It’s outside those doors. It’s out locally in our community. It’s out in the world. And knowing that St. Paul’s gives us the opportunity on many different levels to be a part and do a part that we want to do in social justice to help those who might not even be in this church community. But we reach out. And I think that’s really great. Because that’s what we’re called to do as Christians is: to go out and be the hands and feet of Jesus. Here at St. Paul’s, that’s what we do.

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Why St. Paul's? Social Justice

Hi, I’m Laurie. I’ve been a member here at St. Paul’s for one year. Prior to that, I did a lot of authentic soul-searching. Really looking for what was a faith community that really fit my interests, my needs, my philosophy, my conscience, my place in this world. I’ve been a Christian my entire life; at that point, that was 55 years. I’m very active in my faith, but it didn’t feel true to my heart and, my soul, and my relationship with God. So, after a lot of great spiritual coaching and visiting a lot of churches, I tried on quite a few. I really found a home here at St. Paul’s. It felt familiar, it felt comforting, but it also felt challenging. Because a big part of my personal psyche is action and I love what God told us in Micah, Oh man, do what is good, or woman, do what is good. Here’s what God asks of us: he requires us to do justly, to love, to be merciful, and to walk humbly with him. And those are the opportunities that I found here, those are the people. I kind of found my planet, and I’m very grateful. I’d invite you to check it out if you’re searching. Thank you.

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Why St. Paul's? Faithful Action

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Inexhaustible Love

Inexhaustible Love

As a queer woman with a multiracial family, I go for the "inexhaustible love" from pastors, staff, and all those, who like us, call St. Paul's UMC home! It is truly our refuge in Cedar Rapids.

Dear friends, let’s love each other, because love is from God..

1 John 4:7 NRSVUE