Please pardon our mess while we migrate to a new server and software during June 2007. Below is a copy of our original FAQ pages. Unfortunately it doesn't have the nice, fancy menu options but you can scroll through to learn more about what is available at St. Paul's. Contact the church office with questions.

What is your welcome statement?
We, the people of St. Paul's United Methodist Church, believe that God's love is expansive and unconditional and that, through Christ, God calls us to love one another as God loves us. We welcome all people, regardless of gender, race, age, cultural or religious heritage, ethnic background, sexual orientation, economic circumstances, family configuration or difference of ability. We celebrate the worth, dignity and gifts of every person as a child of God.
What are the values of St. Paul's?
We... Expect and act on the Spirit's leading Center ourselves in prayer Hunger for learning & biblical understanding Illuminate the God given gifts in each other Offer our gifts in service to others Provide a haven in a changing world Welcome the stranger Encourage dialog in the midst of difference Seek courage to do justice Joyfully practice tithing Living in integrity Honor Christ through balanced lifestyles
How do I get to St. Paul's?
We are located just North of the 79th and Lackman intersection in Lenexa, approximately one mile East of Shawnee Mission Park. Exit I-435 on Midland Road and come East on Midland Road until Lackman. Turn South (right) on Lackman and look for the church on your right (West side of Lackman). 7740 Lackman, Lenexa, KS 66217 Phone: 913-268-9551
Do I need to be a member to participate?
No! You'll find that many of the leaders of St. Paul's actually aren't members themselves. For a variety of reasons, some choose not to formally become members of St. Paul's. That doesn't impact in their ability to participate and even lead St. Paul's. The only "impact" of not being a member is that you would not have a vote in any church-wide conferences where issues affecting the entire congregation are brought to a vote by everyone.
How do I become a member?
You will be asked to attend 2 sessions of a Sunday morning class at 9:30 am with Pastor Jim Darby. These classes are scheduled every 2 months. You will learn about St. Paul's, our beliefs and those of a United Methodist, and it will help us to get to know you. If you are unsure about becoming a member of our church or even joining a United Methodist Church, this is the class for you! In almost every session one or more persons attend unsure whether they will become members. Some pray and think about it for months after attending the class before deciding. Contact the church office at 913-268-9551 for more information and to confirm attendance.
What's the history of St. Paul's?
1983 First worship service held November 6 with 89 people in attendance at Mill Creek Elementary School. 1984 St. Paul's chartered as a congreation November 18 with 45 members 1985 First Vacation Bible School held with Lenexa United Methodist Church 1989 Groundbreaking for first building on August 6 1990 Worshiped in new building on Easter Sunday, April 15 1995 Groundbreaking for new addition on February 19 1998 - 2000 Additional property acquired 2004 Groundbreaking for building expansion on June 13 Back to Top
How many people attend each service?
St. Paul's has two regular Sunday morning services. The 8:15am service usually has about 100 people and the 10:45am service usually has around 250 people in attendance. Sunday School is held between the services from 9:30 - 10:30. Children and Youth classes are divided by age and tend to have 10 - 30 each morning. Adult classes are themed based, meaning a class is held about a particular topic for several weeks in a row. Typically there are two to three classes on any given Sunday and they may range from just a few people to several dozen individuals depending on the topic.

Dr. James Darby, Senior Pastor
We welcome Dr. James, better known as Jim, and Sharon Darby to St. Paul's beginning July 1st. Jim has spent 37 years in the ministry, starting at a little, open country Presbyterian Church while attending college in Iowa. Since then he has been senior pastor at Emporia First UMC, Highland Park UMC, and Old Mission UMC, been district superintendent of Emporia/Manhattan District, an associate pastor of Countryside UMC and Grinter Chapel UMC, and is currently the chairperson of the Kansas East Conference Council on Finance and Administration. He and his wife Sharon have two sons who live in the Kansas City area with their families, including three grandchildren. E-mail address: jim.darby@sbcglobal.net
Sanrda Cox, Associate Pastor
What is your role at St. Paul’s? I am the Associate Pastor at St. Paul’s. When were you hired as a staff member? 2007 Tell us more about your pastoral background: I have a Master’s of Divinity from Saint Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, Missouri and am an elder in the Kansas East Annual Conference. I am an adjunct faculty member at the seminary, teaching Preaching in the Course of Study School and I have served as a PLUM (Preparing for Local Ministry) leader during the school year. I serve on the Kansas East Personnel Committee and have served in that capacity for four years. What is your primary focus at St. Paul's? My main focus is the Celebration Worship Service and developing a program for New Members. I will also be integrally involved in the Confirmation Class in 2008. Tell us about your family: I am married to Mark and we live in Olathe. I have a son, Ryan, who is a Financial Services Manager at Jay Wolfe Honda and a daughter, Erin, who is a senior at Rockhurst University. Mark has a daughter, Beth, who is a freshman at KState and a son, Charlie, who is a sophomore at Blue Valley Northwest High School. For fun, I enjoy: traveling, Broadway musicals, cooking and reading. I grew up in Nashville, Tn. and enjoy “returning to my roots” when I can. Email address: sanrda.coxspumc@sbcglobal.net Back to Top
Doris Housh, Secretary
When were you hired as a staff member? February, 1993 Where is your church home? I belong to Monticello UMC, where I am Director of Music. What brought you to St. Paul's? I was looking for a part-time job, and my pastor at Monticello told me St. Paul's was looking for a part-time secretary. I started at 16 hours a week, and am now working 35 hours per week. Tell us about your family: My husband, Dave, owns his own independent insurance agency. We will celebrate our 40th anniversary in July, 2005. Our daughter, Deanna, and her husband, Ryan, live in Manhattan, KS, and have blessed us with a grandson, Ira, born in April of 2004. What is your favorite book in the Bible? The Gospel of John, and the Psalms. What is your favorite movie? Favorite old movie is "Gone With the Wind." Also liked "Ben Hur" and The Ten Commandments." I guess I like the big epic movies. I also liked "Major League" and "Field of Dreams." I'm a huge sports fan! Last one I saw was "Million Dollar Baby," which I really enjoyed. Looking forward to seeing "Cinderella Man." I have to confess I've never seen any of the "Star Wars" movies. What I like best about my ministry is: I love getting to know people, and working with a variety of individuals. I am blessed to have two church families: St. Paul's, and my home church, Monticello UMC. For fun, I enjoy: Playing with my grandson! Also directing the choir, playing the piano and organ, United Methodist Women, watching sports, especially baseball and college basketball, reading, and needlework (not to be confused with sewing!). Email address: djhoush@sbcglobal.net Back to Top
Jeni Anderson, Celebration Service Music Director and Communications Coordinator
Linda Edgell, Preschool Director
What is your role at St. Paul's? I am the Director of St. Paul’s Preschool and Children’s Day Out program. I reside, on most weekdays, in the lower level of the church which is the children’s area. When did you start? I became a member of the staff at St. Paul’s in April, 2002 and helped to set-up the preschool program which began September 2003. What's your background? I have been in the early childhood education field for 30 years and owned and operated a preschool in another Methodist church for over 20 years. At one time, I thought I ended this career and would stay home, but the opportunity at St. Paul’s and I believe God’s wish for me, called me back into service. It is my joy to glorify God by working with young children and families. Tell us about your family. My husband, Rick, and I live in Basehor, Kansas on twenty acres. We have an adult daughter, son-in-law, and two outstanding grandchildren who are now teens. They live in Basehor also and my parents and siblings live in Bonner Springs, which is my home town. We are all active members of Bonner Springs Methodist Church. Email: linedgell@aol.com Back to Top
Heather Gonzales, Youth Director
E-mail: hdawngonzo@yahoo.com
Cheryl Scott, Business Manager
What is your role at St. Paul's? I am the Business Manager which involves handling the financials for the church including payroll, accounts payable and budgeting. I work closely with staff and committees helping them to support their ministry programs within the financial resources we have available. I am responsible for reporting our financial information to the Kansas East Conference. I work closely with the financial institutions that hold our accounts. I also hope to begin working on research grants that might be available for St. Paul’s. How long have you been on staff? I started working as Treasurer April 1, 2005. Later on my job title was changed to Business Manager and my hours increased. Prior to April 2005 I had been financial secretary (a volunteer position) for St. Paul's for approximately 10 years. What I like best: What can I say? I am OK working with numbers and the computer! I enjoy the independence of coming in and getting my job done. But I also enjoy interacting with staff and committees. I feel like I can make a positive contribution to St. Paul’s by ensuring we are being faithful stewards of our members’ contributions. Tell us about your family: My husband Randy and I have been married over 25 years. We have two boys, Andrew and Steven. For fun, I enjoy: Gardening, Walking, Reading, Traveling, Keeping up with friends, Volunteer Work. What is your background: I graduated from K-state a number of years ago. I worked 22 years as a systems analyst/project manager retiring when my oldest child started middle school. I really loved my job but felt it was important to be at home more during those middle school and high school years. Back to Top
Becky Ronning, Financial Secretary
Marti Johnson, Music Coordinator
Elizabeth Mulkey, Chancel Choir Director
Jeremy Watson, Accompanist, Voices4God Director, and Acafellas Director
Email: stppnoman@yahoo.com
Kim Barney, Children's Choir Director
Claudia Vines, Children's Ministries
What is your role at St. Paul's? I am the Coordinator of Children's Ministries How long have you been on staff at St. Paul's? I began as the Coordinator of Children's Ministries in January 2000. What I like best about the ministry area that I work in: I enjoy working with people who want to have fun while providing meaningful programs for our children. Children are open-minded and curious about God and the world that we live in. It is a wonderful experience to help children learn about and feel God's love. Tell us about your family. My husband, Jim and I have been married for 20 years. We haev three children, Alex, Lauren, and Claire. What are your favorite movies? Sound of Music, Wizard of Oz, and Grease. I recently saw the stage production of the musical Wicked. It was awesome. For fun, I enjoy: Gardening, reading, bicycling, and tennis. Email: cvines@sbcglobal.net or claudiavines@everestkc.net Back to Top
Deena Byers, Child Care Coordinator
Janie Hodges, Parents Evening Out Coordinator
Jim McNeal, Building Manager

 

Child and Youth Protection Training
Training required by the church conference for anyone who volunteers in any capacity with our children and youth. Classes are offered about every six months. We want our volunteers to know how to keep children safe, as well as keep the adults protected. Contact Lori Bjorklun for more information.
Disciple Bible Studies
Classes are offered both days and evenings, times vary. Classes usually require some outside study time.
Worship Readiness
Classes offered for grade school children 2nd grade and up, and focuses on teaching children about religions, worship, and the history of the United Methodist Church.
Confirmation Classes for Youth
Classes are offered yearly for teenagers ready to join the church. They begin on a weekly basis in January and continue through November, when they are confirmed in a ceremony in front of the congregation. Teens are encouraged to participate their freshman year of high school. Contact Joy Dodd for details.
Men's Morning Bible Study
The Men's Bagels and Bibles weekly Bible study at the church begins at 6:30 am each Wednesday morning at the church for fellowship, sharing, and scripture study. Contact Andy Martin for more information.
Adult Sunday School
Sunday School for adults is held every Sunday at 9:30 am in the church. Topics change every 6-8 weeks, with usually at least 2 choices being offered. The church brings in special speakers periodically, sometimes dealing with controversial topics. During elections there may be a presentation by a political candidate.
Children and Youth Sunday School
Classes for children and youth are held on the lower level of the church at 9:30 every Sunday morning.

Parent's Evening Out
Every two weeks event letting parents get away. Sign up early--we fill up fast.
Adult Choir
The Chancel Choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings from 7 ­ 8:30 from mid-August through May. They sing at 10:45 services and on other special occasions. Adults and high school youth are welcome to join this music ministry. Contact Elizabeth Mulkey for information.
Children's Choir
The youth choir (Voices4God) rehearses on Sunday afternoons during the school year. Contact Jeremy Watson for information about this 6th through 8th grade choir. Children¹s choirs for K-2 and 3rd ­ 5th grades are currently seeking a director.
Bell Choir
St. Paul¹s has a wonderful three-octave set of bells. Membership in this group includes adults and youth. The position of director will be open this fall.
Acafellas
The Acafellas are a men's 4-part chorus that rehearses on Saturday mornings. They perform occasionally at worship services and around Johnson County. Contact Jeremy Watson, John Feldmann or John VandeVoort for more information.
Solos and Small Ensembles
Musicians who wish to perform solos or in small ensembles (vocal or instrumental) are welcome to contact music coordinator, Marti Johnson. Older children (5th grade and up) are encouraged to develop selections appropriate for worship particularly in the summer months. Right now, we are in the process of putting together a brass ensemble for high school musicians and adults.
Pre-School
Contact Linda Edgell at 631-0101 for details or email her at stpaulspreschool@sbcglobal.net
Vacation Bible School
Summer Bible School is held in June or July for ages 4-12. Contact the church office for dates and times.
Youth Group
St. Paul’s offers a weekly youth group for 7th through 12th grade. Group meets at 5:00 Sunday afternoon unless a special activitity has been planned at another time. Weekly topics and activities are listed in the newsletter and the bulletin. A yearly mission trip is planned for June. Contact Heather Gonzales, youth group director, for more information.
Mission Trip for Youth
St. Paul’s youth group plans a yearly mission trip in June for fun, fellowship, and service. Fundraising and planning goes on all year. Contact Heather Gonzales, youth group director, for more information.
The Pumpkin Patch
St. Paul’s offers a pumpkin patch sale to the community to raise money for the church. Sale takes place during October, and volunteers are needed to set up the pumpkin patch, unload pumpkins, and staff the sales booth. This is a great opportunity to partner with your St. Paul’s friends in a fun and profitable activity. Call John Van de Voort for more information.

Women's Coffee Club
St. Paul’s women meet for coffee and conversation the first Thursday of every month at 9:00 am. Watch the bulletin or contact the church office for location. Contact person is Jane Wiegele.
Round Table Discussion Group
Roundtable Discussion Group is a group that seeks to enhance the faith journeys of its members by digging deep, both in study and in discussion with each other. It often deals with the faith questions we were taught not to ask. Discussion usually centers around a book. Call the church office and watch the newsletter for more details.
Movie Group
The St. Paul's Movie Group meets the second Friday of each month to see a new release and enjoy dinner after the movie. Call Nancy Martin for details.
MOTHERS
Mothers Out to Regain Their Sanity-St. Paul’s women with young children meet periodically. This is a group open to moms of all ages, geared toward helping each other be great moms. We will exchange ideas, recipes and tips along with the joys and frustrations of motherhood. Call Sonya Bower for more information.
Dinner Theater
St. Paul’s choir members and friends have occasionally offered a dinner theater presentation to benefit a good cause. Watch the newsletter for new opportunities in choir.

BOD Squad
The Beyond Our Doors Mission Committee-The Mission Committee at St. Paul’s, also known as the BOD Squad, oversees the many outreach activities going on at St. Paul’s. No matter what your area of interest, there is something to get involved in. Please see the individual listings of mission opportunities for details. Call Janet Podoll to get involved. The BOD Squad welcomes anyone with new ideas and a desire to make a difference.
Argentine Food Kitchen
St. Paul’s serves a noon meal on the third Friday of every month at the Argentine food kitchen near Cross-lines, at 646 Shawnee Avenue, Kansas City, Kansas 66105. The Red, Blue, and Green food preparation teams take turns providing food for the meal, and a group of approximately 10 people transports the food to the Food Kitchen and serves the meal, sometimes for as many as 300 people. More volunteers are needed to provide food and serve the meal. You can prepare a salad, soup or a batch of brownies, or you can purchase fruit, milk or condiments to supplement the meal. A volunteer is needed each month to pick up donated bread from Panera’s the night before the food kitchen. More volunteers are always welcome. Contact Jill Quigley or Janet Podoll for information. See more info by clicking here.
Cross-lines Christmas Store
Every year in October, The BOD Squad at St. Paul’s begins collection for the Cross-lines Christmas store. Cross-lines is a poverty fighting organization in Kansas City, Kansas. The Christmas store provides low income families with an opportunity to obtain Christmas gifts and necessities at no charge. St. Paul’s participates in this effort by stocking the size 12 boys sweatshirts and jeans needed for the children’s section. A group of volunteers travels to the Christmas store (location changes year to year) and stocks the shelves with the items St. Paul’s has collected. Opportunities to assist shoppers in the store are publicized in November and December. People who speak some Spanish are always needed to help Hispanic families make their selections. See www.cross-lines.org for more information on Cross-lines.
Cross-lines School Supply Collection
The BOD Squad collects school supplies for Cross-lines in July to assist them with their goal of providing 1600 low income children with new backpacks, filled with needed items for school. Volunteers are needed to transport the school supplies to Cross-lines, and help fill the backpacks and deliver them the second week of August. Contact Janet Podoll for more information. See www.cross-lines.org for more stories about Cross-lines and their mission to provide a daily source of assistance to at-risk families in Kansas City, Kansas.
Metropolitan Food Pantry
St. Paul’s holds a collection for canned goods the first Sunday of every month to benefit the Metropolitan Food Pantry. Bring your canned goods on Communion Sunday. We also hold a Souper Bowl Sunday drive for canned goods to coincide with the Super Bowl. Contact Brett Byers for more information, or to volunteer to help transport the food to the Food Pantry.
Interfaith Hospitality Network
St. Paul’s partners with Shawnee United Methodist church in a network of area churches that take turns hosting homeless families . St. Paul’s participates by providing an evening meal and volunteers for evening and overnight shifts at the host residence in Shawnee. St. Paul’s also provides extra food baskets and gift items during the holidays. People who are interested in participating are required to take a training session, offered periodically by the Interfaith Hospitality Network staff. Please see www.JoCoIHN.org to view the newsletter and be informed of additional opportunities for volunteering within the network. To find out about the current hosting schedule and training sessions, you may call IHN at 913-345-2121, or the St. Paul’s contact for more information, Pat White.
Meals on Wheels
St. Paul’s volunteers provide assistance to the elderly by transporting meals to homebound people every Thursday. Meals are picked up at the Lenexa Senior Center around 10:30, and about 12 meals are delivered, the driver finishing around noon. Usually we have 5 volunteers scheduled to drive once a month, with people on the substitute list as well. Drivers are always needed.
Blood Drives
St. Paul’s periodically holds blood drives to provide an opportunity for church members and the nearby community to donate life-giving blood for those in need.