Page 1
Highlights
Of Items In This Issue:
Acolyte Schedule 11
Adult Forums 5
Baptism Class 5
Birthdays 12
Calendar 15
Children & Youth 7-8
Community Information 6
God’s Servants 11
God’s Work. Our Hands Sunday 13
Equipping 4
Neighbors, Inc. 6
New Member Classes 5
Rest in Peace Scott Patrick 14
Rooted in the Word 3
Service Opportunities 9
St Stephen’s Information Page 2
Tanzania Update 4
Published monthly by: St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, 1575 Charlton St., West St. Paul, MN
Update Newsletter September, 2014 Vol. 2014 Issue 9
CONNECTING!
“Connecting to God, each other, and the world”
We’re All Connected ...
The image to the right is called
“Unity”. It is an ebony carving
that I purchased in Tanzania.
(For more information about our
church trip to Tanzania and our
partner parish of Ihimbo, be
sure to come to Adult Education
on Sunday, October 12th
, 9:40
a.m. for the full, official report!
On the other hand, just be
around, you’ll hear references
like this one all the time!)
The statue consists of a variety
of figures of people, connected,
and actually carved out of a
single piece of ebony. What a powerful image of who we are in
Christ. It is the truth, but a truth we so easily turn away from.
St. Stephen’s and the wider community experienced this truth as
we came together in response to Officer Scott Patrick’s tragic
death and funeral. Everyone served very well: we came together;
the walls that can separate us were gone. We did what we
could. We made ourselves available in prayer, in working, in con-
tributing, in expressions of concern and empathy; the connec-
tions that always exist were in plan view and wonderful.
From the salutes of the little children along the processional
route, to the choked up newscasters, to the 4,000 police, fire
and EMS officers, to the silence that hung in the air around the memorial site, to the flowers and
candles and expressions of love and the desire to help: our connections were clear.
And St. Stephen’s, we did well. We are not the only church that could have done it, but with the help
of the prayers of so many, we did. With Pastor Cassie and Jan Perkins in the lead, we all found our
place, tiny cogs of care in a great big wheel. With grace, patience and care for others we did our
faithful part in the largest police funeral in Minnesota history.
Though the planning and the details came together seemingly overnight, we have been preparing for
this with every step of faith, every minute we had worked together, every relationship we had made,
and with every step of trust in God that we had taken in faith, and with every prayer offered.
I hope you know you/we are connected, everyone one of us. We are connected for God’s purposes.
To do our part as a small caring cog in God’s great wheel of love.
Next time we get together, may the walls still be down.
Pastor John.
Page 2
St. Stephen’s Update Newsletter ▪ September, 2014 Page 2
Office Hours
September 1, 2014—May 25, 2014
Monday — Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
(If you need assistance outside of these
hours please call ahead to be sure some-
one will be available to assist you.)
Staff
John Snider—Senior Pastor
[email protected]
Cassie Nault—Associate Pastor
[email protected]
Sitraka Rakotoarivelo
Director of Children & Youth Ministries
[email protected]
Gerrit Lamain—Music Director/Organist
[email protected]
Jan Perkins—Office Administrator
[email protected]
Abra Gillman—Bookkeeper
[email protected]
Church Council
Debbie Pirkl—President
Jessica Donahue—Vice President
Dave Bergeson—Treasurer
Doug Schmitt—Secretary
Brent Harms—Financial Secretary
Committee Chairpersons
Tanisha Pikula ......... Christian Education
Mike Bonk .................................. Finance
Patrice Katzenmaier ............... Fellowship
Mark Rogosheske .................... Memorial
Steve Morganson ................ Membership
...................................... and Evangelism
Patty Longard ........................... Missions
Justin Woods ....................... Properties &
Dan Youness ....... Maintenance Co Chairs
Laura Vitelli ......................... Stewardship
Lori Ritt ........................ Worship & Music
Dane & Darcy McKenzie .........................
....................... Youth & Family Co Chairs
Nominating Committee
Pastor John........................ Sondra Paton
Lisa Ellison .........................Vicki Jackson
Darcy McKenzie ................. Brett Scribner
................................... Annette Youness
Church Foundation
Dave Paton .......................... Chairperson
September 14, 2014—May 17, 2015
Saturday Evening 5:00 pm The Bridge
Sunday Mornings 8:30 am Worship with Holy Communion
10:45 am Worship with one Sacrament
12:00 pm Pueblo de Fe—Worship in Spanish
Children & Youth Programs Church School Year: September 10, 2014—April 29, 2015
Wednesday Evenings (6:00-7:00 pm)
J.O.Y. (“Jesus, Others, and You”) Ages 3 through 1st Grade
W.I.L.D. (“Word In Love & Deed”) 2th-5th Grade
Confirmation 6th-8th Grade
Sunday Mornings
Senior High Youth Group 9th-12th Grade Sundays 9:30-10:30 am
St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, ELCA
1575 Charlton Street
West St. Paul, MN 55118
Church Phone: 651-457-6541
Fax Number: 651-457-5857
www.ststephenswsp.org
Page 3
St. Stephen’s Update Newsletter ▪ September, 2014 Page 3
Rooted in the Word IV: Luther’s Catechism Rooted in the Word is a monthly focus we practice here at
St. Stephen’s. Each month we focus on a new book of the Bible
or piece of the Large Catechism. We study these in greater depth at
our monthly Bible & Breakfast gathering, where we briefly are taught
about the topic, we discuss the topic, we eat, and we pray—all in an
hour and a half!
Rooted in the Word—September
Gospel of John—John 8:12
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness
but will have the light of life”
An eagle is said to be able to look in two directions at the same time, looking both at the sun
and the earth. The eagle is the symbol of John’s writing because he looks so clearly into the
mysteries of God while so tenderly at the human condition.
As we begin this year of equipping a word of encouragement: Just show up! It is remarka-
ble the equipping God can do in a single encounter. Just show up and see what’s waiting for
you.
Join us for the discussion,
Saturday, September 6, 8:30-10 a.m. Bible and Breakfast
at Joseph’s Grill, 140 S. Wabasha Street, St. Paul.
Scriptures this Year
The narrative lectionary is a four-year cycle of readings. On the Sundays
from September through May each year the texts follow the sweep of
the biblical story, from Creation through the early Christian church.
The texts show the breadth and variety of voices within Scripture. They
invite people to hear the stories of Abraham and Sarah, Moses and the
prophets, Jesus, and Paul. Listening to the many different voices within Scripture enriches
preaching and the life of faith.
The texts include the major episodes in Scripture. They are arranged in a narrative sequence
to help people see Scripture as a story that has coherence and a dynamic movement.
From September to mid-December the preaching texts begin with the early chapters of
Genesis, move through the stories of Israel’s early history, the exodus, the kings,
prophets, exile, and return.
From Christmas to Easter there is sustained reading of one of the four gospels From
Easter to Pentecost the texts are chosen from Acts and Paul’s letters.
On September 7th
we will begin the 1st
year of the Narrative Lectionary. There are many
resources online to identify the text and give background readings. An excellent place to
start is http://www.workingpreacher.org.
Page 4
St. Stephen’s Update Newsletter ▪ September, 2014 Page 4
“Were not our hearts burning within us
while he was talking to us on the road,
while he was opening the scriptures to us?” Luke 24:32
This is the story of the two disciples walking along with Jesus on Easter Sunday. They
were learning and he was teaching but they did not recognize him until their eyes were
open. Jesus was EQUIPPING them for their new life in him.
While we will still focus on WORSHIP we are adding a second and third word to our
mission and direction together: EQUIPPING (second) WELCOMING (third coming soon)
Equipping is defined in our context in Ephesians 4:12-13, 15-16, “to equip the saints
for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to
the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the
measure of the full stature of Christ…speaking the truth in love, we must grow up
in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body,
joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is
working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love.”
Together we equip each other: in consistent worship; in small groups; in the discipline
of personal prayer; in learning; in retreats; in simple, holy conversation.
We want our hearts to burn with the presence of the Spirit. This can happen in faith.
Over the year we will offer many new opportunities for Equipping and invite each of us
to recognize that God is equipping us at all times.
The first new Equipping opportunity will be a class
taught by Pastor John. It is based on the book “Embracing
an Alternative Orthodoxy: Richard Rohr on the Legacy of St.
Francis.” It is five sessions which cover Atonement Theolo-
gy; Eco-Spirituality; The Cosmic Christ; Orthodoxy vs. Ortho-
praxy; and Mysticism over Moralism. If these sound too the-
ological, know that Richard Rohr has a very practical Chris-
tian theology. There is a workbook for the class which can
be ordered by calling the office or signing up at the Connec-
tion Center.
The class will be offered twice a week: Wednesday evenings
beginning October 1st from 6-7pm and Thursday mornings
beginning October 2nd from 10-11am.
E
Q
U
I
P
P
I
N
G
TANZANIA UPDATE -
Thank you to all for your prayers and support. We laughed,
we connected, we shared St. Stephen’s love for our brothers
and sisters in Christ with our partner church of Ihimbo in
Tanzania. Be sure to attend the Adult Forum on Sunday,
October 12th as we share more details of our time spent in
Ihimbo. Pictured at left are Pastor John, Pastor Zabron
Lubawa. Asanteni!
Page 5
St. Stephen’s Update Newsletter ▪ September, 2014 Page 5
ADULT FORUM BEGINS SEPTEMBER 21
Come to the lounge between services (9:40-10:30) and enrich your faith. Throughout the year we
offer a variety of programs with various topics and forms of presentation. We gather together,
many with coffee and doughnut, as we explore the meaning and application of our faith.
Due to other church-wide events in September, we have only two sessions.
September 21: Stewardship at St. Stephen’s—What does Stewardship
mean to you? What are the needs of St. Stephen’s? What goals do we have?
How can we reach those goals? Come and join the discussion—this will be
a wonderful opportunity to discuss what Stewardship means to us as a
church community.
September 28: Come get a glimpse at how the younger generation
views faith! Join us in the sanctuary for Adult Forum this morning, as we hear from the 11
Confirmation students who are affirming their faith in Christ this October. The 9th grade students
will share brief statements of faith and there will be time for questions and conversation at the end.
NEW MEMBER Classes—
We are always excited to welcome new members to this community. We believe
we are a people of God and God is calling, preparing and sending us to do
God’s will in our lives. Our joy is we get to do it together, never alone! If you
are interested in making St. Stephen’s your church home, and or learning more
about it, you are invited to attend one of the following two classes: Saturday,
September 20, 10-11:30 a.m. or Thursday, September 25 from 7-8:30 p.m.
We will officially welcome new members on either Saturday, October 11 at The
Bridge or Sunday, October 12 at either service (8:30 or 10:45 a.m.)
BAPTISM Class
Sunday, October 19 9:40 am
Baptism celebrates God's loving embrace and welcomes new members of His Church into the full-
ness of life with Christ. Would you like to be baptized? Or have a child that you would like
baptized? To make the experience meaningful to all we require that you attend a baptism class.
The next scheduled class is Sunday, October 19 at 9:40 am in Room 205. Please call the church
office to RSVP before Wednesday, October 15. 651-457-6541. Thank you.
Financial Stewardship Report—July, 2014
General Envelope Contributions
Month Year-to-Date Annual
Budget Actual Budget Actual Budget
31,028 26,257 232,042 215,224 395,000
The figures above provide a comparison of budget vs. actual general envelope member
contributions. The budget reflects 2014 member pledges and historical giving patterns.
Page 6
Lutheran Mideast Development
A TIME TO CELEBRATE! Faith, Hope & Love
Learn how you can help change lives
in the Middle East. Come be inspired
by the stories and music of remarkable
young Kurdish women. Join us for
an evening that will enrich your life
and the lives of others.
Tuesday, October 21
5-6:45 P.M.
Riverview Theatre
3800 42nd
Ave. S., Minneapolis.
Quack, Quack,
the (Rubber) Ducks
are Back!
The 7th
annual Great Neighbors’ Duck
Races will be held on October 4, 2014
during South St Paul’s On The Road
Again event. This family-fun event will
feature duck races, children’s games,
crafts and, of course, photo opportunities
with Delbert the Duck mascot. Free admis-
sion. Ducks can be adopted (in advance or
day-of) for $5 each or a family of five
ducks for $25. All proceeds go to support
14 local programs at Neighbors, Inc. For
more information, visit: Neighbors’ web-
site at www.neighborsmn.org
Neighbors, Inc. Food Shelf served over
600 families in July. That is the most
that have ever served and double the
high mark of 2010. They have been in-
credibly busy and are seeing many more
children. Neighbors told us their most
current food shelf needs are:
Pancake Mix and Syrup
Canned Meats
Shampoo
Toothpaste
Toothbrushes
Toilet Paper
Tuna
Casa Guadalupana is in process
of reopening to welcome and provide sup-
port to families in crises. In preparation for these
families in September, they are in need of 5-7 vol-
unteers for September 15 & 16 to help prepare the
house for the families arrival.
Some of the tasks needed on Sept 15 & 16 are:
Organizing of the Food Pantry and Laundry
Clearing of the closets, moving furniture and
other items to and from the attic,
Thorough cleaning of the kitchen, bedrooms
and bathrooms.
Putting clean linens on the beds
Dusting and polishing the wood
Cleaning window
Mowing the lawn.
If you can spare a few hours on any of these
two days they would be very great full. If you are
able to volunteer, or would like to provide a food
for the shelter or financial support, please contact
me by e-mail or by phone. Letty Ponce , Volunteer
Coordinator Casa Guadalupana 651 222-7668
Cell: 651 357-2468
St. Stephen’s Update Newsletter ▪ September, 2014 Page 6
Page 7
St. Stephen’s Update Newsletter ▪ September, 2014 Page 7
PLEASE NOTE: The Acolyte Schedule has been moved to the “God’s Servant’s” page - page 11
Page 8
St. Stephen’s Update Newsletter ▪ September, 2014 Page 8
Page 9
St. Stephen’s Update Newsletter ▪ September, 2014 Page 9
Loaves & Fishes
Each month a
group of
dedicated
volunteers from
St. Stephen's
responds to
Jesus' call to
feed the hungry
by preparing and serving a meal to
hungry people in our community.
Join our St. Stephen’s group Tuesday,
September 9 to prepare dinner, serve
and clean up. Come for the whole even-
ing or just part. The schedule is:
2-5 Preparation, 5-6 Serving, 6-7 Clean
Up. Questions - please call Ann Anderson
@ 651-451-4876.
St. Matthew’s Church is located at 490
Hall Street, in St. Paul.
Meals on Wheels
St. Stephen’s delivers every fourth
Wednesday for the Meals-On-Wheels
program. Each route takes about 1
hour to complete. We pick up meals at
Faith United Methodist Church, and de-
liver to our neighbors in West St. Paul,
Mendota, Inver Grove, and the So. St.
Paul area. If you feel called to help us,
please contact Loren Van Pelt at (651)-
768-9229, or the church office. Thank
you for all you do. Our next delivery
dates are Wednesday, September 3
and October 1 - 11am-Noon.
Feed My Starving Children
Feed My Starving Children is a non-profit
Christian organization committed to feeding
God’s children hungry in body and spirit.
The following dates have been reserved for St.
Stephen’s volunteers at the Eagan facility. 990
Lone Oak Rd., Suite 136.
September—Monday, Sept 15 6:00-7:30
Join Code 493112
October—Wednesday, Oct 22 6:00-7:30
Join Code 493115
November—Monday, Nov 17 6:00-7:30
Join Code 493116
December—Tuesday, Dec 16 6:00-7:30
Join Code 493118
If you are able to attend, please sign up online
at fmsc.org using the Join Code above or
contact Toni Wakem at 651-457-3188.
Are you Interested in hosting
an International Student?
Open your home to an interna-
tional student! The Trinity School
at River Ridge and gphomestay
are looking for loving families to
host students this upcoming
school year. To learn more about
this opportunity, please
visit www.gphomestay.com or
contact Hillary at 781-996-0766
or [email protected]
Page 10
St. Stephen’s Update Newsletter ▪ September, 2014 Page 10
The May Men’s Renewal Group Breakfasts will be
Fridays, September 12 & 26
7:30-8:30am at the Capital View Café,
637 South Smith Avenue.
All men are welcome!
St. Stephen’s
Book Club
Wednesday
September 10
10:00 am
NEW LOCATION
Panera
Robert Street, West St Paul
September
THE GOLDFINCH
by Donna Tartt
Alternate:
A YEAR DOWN YONDER
by Richard Peck
October
THE QUEEN’S VOW
by C.W. Gortner
Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings at St. Stephen’s
Mixed Group: Tuesdays at 6:30 pm, Rm 206 ▪ Women’s Group: Fridays at 7:00 pm, Rm 206
Luther Seminary
Center for Lifelong Learning
Consider talking a class at the Lay School of Theology. Here’s
what they are offering:
Fall classes October 13-November 10
Christians of the Middle East: Past and Future
Jeremiah: Judgment, Trauma and Hope
Luther’s Small Catechism for Today
Winter classes January 26-February 23
Revelation, Faith and the End
Corinthians
Lutherans in America: Beyond the Alphabet Soup
Spring classes March 30-April 27
The Parables: Illustrations of Jesus’ Good but Strange News
Come and See: Discipleship According to the Gospel of John
Following Jesus in an Ecological Age
Growing Through Loss
St. Stephen’s is part of the Growing Through Loss Southern Dakota County Coalition, a ministry
helping people in their grief journey. Growing Through Loss provides support for adults who
have experienced loss; provides information about the grieving process; providing the oppor-
tunity to share memories and feelings in a confidential setting.
Below is the session schedule for the Fall offerings:
Thurs. Sept 18 7:00-9:00 pm “Grief: On Letting Go and Offering Up”
Thurs. Sept 25 7:00-9:00 pm “Growing Through the Narrow Spots”
Thurs. Oct 2 7:00-9:00 pm “Grief, Stress and the Holidays”
Thurs. Oct 9 7:00-9:00 pm “Meeting the Challenge of Multiple Losses in our Lives”
Each session is complete in itself. You are welcome to attend one or all.
Sessions will be held at Church of St. John Neumann, 4030 Pilot Knob Road, Eagan, MN
Growing Through Loss brochures can be found at our Connection Center. For additional infor-
mation, please call 952-890-0045 or via email: [email protected] . The Spring
series will be held at Church of St Joseph in Rosemount April 7-May 5, 2015.
Page 11
St. Stephen’s Update Newsletter ▪ September, 2014 Page 11
For I Know the Plans I Have For You ...
Altar Guild Month of September: Mary Kay Nelson
Acolytes
Sept 7 .......... 9:30 am Jon and Will Heuer
Sept 14 ........ 8:30 am Lindsey Willwerscheid 10:45 am Ana Villars
Sept 21 ........ 8:30 am Peter McKenzie 10:45 am Jake Kinney
Sept 28 ........ 8:30 am Seringa McHugh 10:45 am Max Murphy
Lectors
Sept 7 .......... 9:30 am Georgia Adkins
Sept 14 ........ 8:30 am Carol Pagel 10:45 am Anne Pfankuch
Sept 21 ........ 8:30 am Mark Rogosheske 10:45 am Alan Sipinen
Sept 28 ........ 8:30 am Jenny Van Pelt 10:45 am Sara Ruff
Communion Assistants
Sept 7 .......... 9:30 am Vicki Jackson, Lori Ritt, Dave and Lynda Bergeson
Sept 14 ........ 8:30 am Ann Anderson, Dottie Culbert 10:45 am Jessica Lynch, Anne Pfankuch
Sept 21 ........ 8:30 am Mark Rogosheske, Joan Regan 10:45 am Jim and Patrice Katzenmaier
Sept 28 ........ 8:30 am Mike and Charlene McHugh 10:45 am Sara and Andy Ruff
Fellowship Hour Hosts
Sept 7 .......... Joanne Jones, Steve Morganson, Cal Kellerman
Sept 14 ........ Justin and Janell Woods
Sept 21 ........ Tanisha Pikula, Nanette Roloff
Sept 28 ........ Jim and Patrice Katzenmaier
Contribution Counters
Sept 1 .......... Dan and Alice Mikel, Merwin Perkins
Sept 8 .......... Dorothy Culbert, Don Stenhaug, Ted Pittorf
Sept 15 ........ Georgia Adkins, Brett and Janice Culver
Sept 22 ........ Connie Villars, Joanie Regan
Sept 29 ........ Dan and Alice Mikel, Merwin Perkins
Shuttle Drivers
Sept 7 .......... Steve Morganson
Sept 14 ........ Butch Morse
Sept 21 ........ Steve Morganson
Sept 28 ........ Butch Morse
God works in
different ways, But it is the
Same God
Who does the work
in all of us.
1 Corinthians 12:6 NLT
YOU are needed! Worship assistants are a vital part
of our worship experience. They help before, during and
after our worship services. They greet worshipers, dis-
tribute bulletins, pass offering plates, serve communion
and tidy up pews following worship. We also have lay
ministers leading the Saturday night Bridge worship ser-
vice. WE NEED YOU! CAN YOU HELP? To volunteer or
to learn more about ushering, lecturing, lay ministry or
other opportunities please contact Pastor Cassie, the
church office, or Lori Ritt. We’d love to hear from you. Families and
Youth are encouraged to participate. This is a wonderful opportunity for
your family to serve together.
Page 12
St. Stephen’s Update Newsletter ▪ September, 2014 Page 12
Members
in the Military.
Please help up keep our
prayer list of members in the
military current. Each Sunday
we include all known
members in the military in our
“prayers of the people.”
Please call the church office if
you know of additions or
deletions.
Thank you.
The Update is a monthly newsletter published for members
and friends of St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, West St. Paul,
MN. Any news items, articles, and suggestions are welcome
and encouraged.
Deadline for articles for the October Issue:
2nd Wednesday of the Month—September 10, 2014
October: Distribution Date
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
▪ Would you prefer to receive the St. Stephen’s monthly
newsletter via email? If so, please call the church office with
your email address. We also post the current newsletter on
the St. Stephen’s website at www.ststephenswsp.org.
Happy September Birthdays!
1-Sep Jacob Jensen
1-Sep Jenny Mathisrud
1-Sep Joan Regan
1-Sep Cleone Swanberg
1-Sep Lindsey Willwerscheid
2-Sep Ellen Kinney
3-Sep Nicole Burg
3-Sep Gerald Gray
4-Sep Jessica Donahue
4-Sep Shanley Harper
4-Sep Ryan Hostager
4-Sep Dennis Myers
4-Sep David Theno
5-Sep Barbara Abbott
5-Sep Kenneth Merrill
6-Sep Cindy Hamilton
7-Sep Bernice LeMay
7-Sep Corbin Martinson-Packer
7-Sep Beverly Van Pelt
8-Sep Connor Bonk
8-Sep Jaclyn Butala
8-Sep Dorothy Engh
8-Sep Lucas Jasper
8-Sep Henry Lynch
8-Sep Jay Yess
9-Sep Dean Hostager
9-Sep Darcy Huspek
9-Sep Annabelle Kuechenmeister
9-Sep Lois Steenberg
9-Sep Mackenzie Lynn Woods
10-Sep Ava Donahue
10-Sep Barbara Eittreim
11-Sep Robert Theno
12-Sep Mary Kay Nelson
12-Sep Paula Warren
13-Sep Amy Chaussee
13-Sep Ryan Freshwater
14-Sep Roberta Meyers
16-Sep Amy Wittmann
17-Sep Patricia Pace
17-Sep Gracelyn VerBout
17-Sep Lamarr Wade
18-Sep Hailey Hanson
19-Sep Katie Haugland
19-Sep Jay Miller
19-Sep David Paton
20-Sep Alexis Cook
20-Sep John Lynch
20-Sep Ben Tschida
20-Sep Tim Wareham
21-Sep Nancy Beaurline
21-Sep Gerald Petschen
22-Sep Amanda King
22-Sep Joni Mendyk-Bliss
22-Sep Kathryn Westby
23-Sep Diane Gray
23-Sep Gabriella Hawkins
23-Sep Ryan Moy
24-Sep Brad House
24-Sep Bruce Meyers
25-Sep Sondra Paton
26-Sep Mateo Barrera
26-Sep Randy Johnson
26-Sep Julie Mathisrud
26-Sep Carol Nelson
28-Sep Joseph Bliss, Sr.
29-Sep Bonnie Anderson
29-Sep Catherine Harms
29-Sep Cara Rgnonti
30-Sep Sharon Gilbertson
30-Sep Bonnie Hawkins
30-Sep Nancy Lynn
30-Sep Charles Pace
Page 13
St. Stephen’s Update Newsletter ▪ September, 2014 Page 13
Get ready to serve!
“God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday, Sept. 7, 2014
One Worship Service
9:30 a.m.
On Sunday, Sept. 7, 2014, St. Stephen's will be joining thousands of other congregations across the
country gathering to serve our community in ways that share the love of God with all of God's people.
Activities being planned for that day here at St. Stephen's include making sandwiches for the homeless,
tying blankets for nursing home residents, a prayer group, and bringing baked goods to those who
work on Sundays (police and firemen).
Please join us on Sunday, September 7, after worship as we roll up our sleeves and do God's work with
our hands.
To help increase the visual impact of the day of service, ELCA members will be wearing bright-yellow
“God’s work. Our hands.” T-shirts. These T-Shirts will be available for purchase the week before. Adult
sizes, Med, Large and X-Large. Sign up at the Connection Center if you wish to purchase one. Other-
wise please wear bright yellow on Sept 7.
“‘God’s work. Our hands.’ Sunday reminds us that we are church together for the sake of the world. Our
lives have been changed by our relationship with God through Jesus Christ, and it’s that encounter with
Jesus that frees us to make a difference.”
— ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton
When will St. Stephen’s return to two Sunday morning worship services?
Good Question—
Answer: Historically we have returned to two services the Sunday after Labor Day week-
end. However, with the “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday becoming an annual event we
have decided not to return to two Sunday morning services until the second Sunday after
Labor Day which will be Sunday, September 14th this year. See you in worship.
Page 14
The Rally Day Basket Raffle is Back—
SUNDAY, September 14!
The tradition continues … each year, the basket raffle raises hun-
dreds of dollars to help support youth education. Each year doz-
ens of baskets are donated with themes ranging from baking to
golf, movie night to coffee lovers. Do you have a basket at home
you could fill and bring in to church? Please drop it off in the Nar-
thex before Rally Day. Or here are some other ways you can help
make this year’s raffle a huge success:
Pick up a basket at church starting on August 31 to fill for the Rally Day Basket Raffle.
Bring any extra baskets you have at home so that others can take them home and fill them.
Come to Rally Day and buy your tickets for the raffle!
St. Stephen’s Update Newsletter ▪ September, 2014 Page 14
Our St Stephen’s community along with the community at large grieves the death of Officer
Scott Patrick, husband to Michelle, father of Erin and Amy. Please continue to keep Michelle, Erin,
Amy and all friends and family of Scott in your prayers.
A funeral service was held for Scott at St. Stephen’s on August 6th. (Copies of the service bulletin
can be found at the Connection Center or downloaded from our website. Rest in Peace Scott.
Thank you to all who volunteered during the preparations for
and during the visitation and funeral for Officer Patrick. We
thank you for your generous donations of your time; kind words
to Michelle, Erin and Amy, the St Stephen’s staff and our law
enforcement community locally and nationwide; your gifts of
food, water and money, and your support in general. The list of
volunteers is many—space limits us from thanking each and
everyone of you personally but please know we feel grateful for
the love and care you’ve shown. Your expressions of sympathy
are appreciated.
The Mendota Heights Police Dept. has established an approved
memorial fund at Affinity Plus Credit Union—Officer Scott
Patrick Memorial Fund. Donations can be made by phone at
(651) 291-3700, at any branch, or by mail to: Affinity Plus Credit
Union, 175 West Lafayette Frontage Rd., St. Paul, MN 55107.
Blessed are the peacekeepers,
for they will be called children
of God. - Matthew 5:9
LABELS FOR
EDUCATION
Please help support the
Garlough Elementary
School’s efforts to collect
labels to redeem for free
educational merchandise.
Simply save labels or clip
proof of purchase from any
eligible Campbell products
and place them in our
“Labels for Education”
collection basket located in
the narthex.
Catch the Buzz! Vacation Bible School
Thanks to all who helped make VBS
a success this year. Thanks for your
flexibility and creativity! Volunteers
included:
Darcy McKenzie
Jessica Lynch
Rebecca Steffen
Rachel Steffen
Nick Ellison
Ben Ellison
Lisa Ellison
Catch the Buzz— St Stephen’s VBS Artist Unknown
Patty Longard
Larry Longard
Amanda Keiser
Piper Gillman
Lexi Cook
Katlyn Price
Molly Guthrey
Lindsey Willwerscheid
Calvin Millett
Georgia Kruse
Paige Kruse
Kay Rindal
Page 15
7
14
21
28
Su
nd
ay
2
3
4
5
6
13
1
2
11
1
0
20
1
9
18
1
7
27
2
6
25
2
4
29
23
2
2
16
9
8
15
Mo
nd
ay
Tu
esd
ay
W
ed
nesd
ay
Th
ursd
ay
Frid
ay
S
atu
rd
ay
3:3
0 p
m Encore
6:0
0 p
m M
issio
n
Com
mitte
e
6:3
0 p
m AA-M
ixed
6:3
0 p
m Sea S
couts
8:0
0 a
m W
hittlers
3:3
0 p
m Encore
7:0
0 p
m All
Com
mitte
e
7:3
0 a
m M
en’s
Bre
akfa
st
3:3
0 p
m Encore
7:0
0 p
m AA W
om
en’s
UP
DA
TE
A
RT
IC
LES
DU
E
10:0
0 a
m Book C
lub
1:3
0 p
m Sta
ff M
eeting
3:3
0 p
m Encore
5:3
0 p
m M
eal
6:0
0 p
m Fait
h
Fo
rm
ati
on
B
EG
IN
S
8:0
0 a
m W
hittlers
3:3
0 p
m Encore
6:0
0 p
m LM
D B
oard
M
eeting
3:3
0 p
m Encore
7:0
0 p
m AA W
om
en’s
3:3
0 p
m Encore
6:3
0 p
m AA-M
ixed
6:3
0 p
m Cub S
couts
6:3
0 p
m Sea S
couts
7:0
0 p
m M
ary
Circle
1:3
0 p
m Sta
ff M
eeting
3:3
0 p
m Encore
5:3
0 p
m M
eal
6:0
0 p
m Faith
Form
ation
7:1
5 p
m Churc
h
Council
8:0
0 a
m W
hittlers
3:3
0 p
m Encore
7:0
0 p
m Cub S
couts
Pare
nts
Leaders
3:3
0 p
m Encore
4:3
0 p
m Sib
ley
H
om
ecom
ing
Para
de
7:0
0 p
m AA W
om
en’s
8:0
0 a
m W
hittlers
3:3
0 p
m Encore
7:0
0 p
m Boy S
couts
Pare
nts
Leaders
7:0
0 p
m N
ew
Mem
ber
Cla
ss
11:0
0 a
m M
eals
on W
hl
1:3
0 p
m Sta
ff M
eeting
3:3
0 p
m Encore
10:0
0 a
m N
ew
Mem
ber
Cla
ss
3:0
0 p
m The B
ridge
Rehears
al
5:0
0 p
m The B
ridge
6:0
0 p
m H
ang T
ime
* SU
ND
AY
SC
HED
ULE
4:00 pm
C
ub
Scouts
Ice C
ream
Social
7:3
0 a
m M
en’s
Bre
akfa
st
5:0
0 p
m W
eddin
g
Rehears
al
7:0
0 p
m AA W
om
en’s
St
Ste
ph
en
’s L
uth
era
n C
hu
rch
▪
S
ep
tem
be
r, 2
01
4
8:3
0 a
m Bib
le S
tudy
(Joseph’s
Grill)
3:0
0 p
m The B
ridge
Rehears
al
5:0
0 p
m The B
ridge
3:0
0 p
m The B
ridge
Rehears
al
4:0
0 p
m W
eddin
g
5:0
0 p
m The B
ridge
1
LA
BO
R D
AY
HO
LID
AY
Churc
h O
ffic
e C
losed
3:3
0 p
m Encore
7:0
0 p
m Boy S
couts
7:3
0 p
m Boy S
couts
Assis
tant
Scoutm
aste
rs
9:3
0 a
m Rachel Circle
3:3
0 p
m Encore
5:0
0 p
m Loaves &
Fis
h
6:3
0 p
m AA-M
ixed
6:3
0 p
m Sea S
couts
3:0
0 p
m The B
ridge
Rehears
al
5:0
0 p
m The B
ridge
9:0
0 a
m U
pdate
Volu
nte
ers
1:3
0 p
m Sta
ff M
eeting
3:3
0 p
m Encore
5:3
0 p
m M
eal
6:0
0 p
m Faith
Form
ation
3:3
0 p
m Encore
6
:30 p
m AA-M
ixed
6:3
0 p
m Sea S
couts
GO
D’S
WO
RK
. O
UR
HA
ND
S
SU
ND
AY
9:3
0 a
m W
ors
hip
Noon Pueblo
de F
e
RE
TU
RN
TO
2
SE
RV
IC
ES
R
ALLY
DA
Y!
9:3
0 a
m P
otluck B
runch
Noon
Basket
Raff
le
3:3
0 p
m Encore
5:0
0 p
m Exec C
om
m
6:0
0 p
m FM
SC
-Eagan
7:0
0 p
m Boy S
couts
3:3
0 p
m Encore
7:0
0 p
m Boy S
couts
3:3
0 p
m Encore
6
:30 p
m AA-M
ixed
6:3
0 p
m Cub S
couts
6
:30 p
m Sea S
couts
30
3:3
0 p
m Encore
7:0
0 p
m Boy S
couts
* SU
ND
AY
SC
HED
ULE:
8:15 am
N
ursery A
vailable
thru 11:45am
8:30 am
W
orship
w
ith H
oly
C
om
munio
n
Fellow
ship
Follow
ing W
orship
9:30 am
Youth G
roup
9:40 am
A
dult
Forum
10:45 am
W
orship
w
ith one Sacram
ent (C
om
munio
n or Baptis
m)
N
oon Pueblo
de Fe W
orship
(Spanis
h)
Fellow
ship
Follow
ing W
orship
Fall Y
outh
Retr
eat
Fall Y
outh
Retr
eat
* SU
ND
AY
SC
HED
ULE
9:45 am
3rd G
rade
Bib
le C
lass
Page 16
NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE
PAID TWIN CITIES MN PERMIT NO. 1594
UPDATE is a monthly publication of
St Stephen’s Lutheran Church, ELCA
1575 Charlton Street
West St. Paul, MN 55118-2999
651-457-6541 651-457-5857 Fax
Volume 2014 Issue 9
Address Service Requested
Raffle Baskets—
Fruit Bowl & Egg Bake Potluck Join us. Bring a dish to share. Breakfast
between services: 9:30 – 10:30 am
Winners drawn at 12 noon.
