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St. Paul’s Lutheran Messenger, September 2009

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September 2009 monthly newsletter from St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Minnetonka, MN
11
September 2009 St. Paul’s Lutheran MESSENGER Cover by Marla Cover by Marla Cover by Marla Cover by Marla Bonner Bonner Bonner Bonner ____________________________________________________________________________________ Phone: 952-938-4683 Email: [email protected] Fax: 952-938-1141 Website: www.saintpaulslutheran.org Our mission is to be “an open and inviting church spreading the Good News of Christ.”
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Page 1: St. Paul’s Lutheran Messenger, September 2009

September 2009

St. Paul’s Lutheran MESSENGER

Cover by MarlaCover by MarlaCover by MarlaCover by Marla Bonner Bonner Bonner Bonner

____________________________________________________________________________________

Phone: 952-938-4683 Email: [email protected] Fax: 952-938-1141

Website: www.saintpaulslutheran.org

Our mission is to be “an open and inviting church spreading the Good News of Christ.”

Page 2: St. Paul’s Lutheran Messenger, September 2009

St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

MISSION STATEMENT Our mission is “to be an open and inviting church spreading the Good News of Christ.” WORSHIP TIMES You are invited to join us regularly on Sunday mornings for 9:30 AM worship followed by refreshments and Christian education for all ages. Please check the enclosed calendar for education times.

An interactive calendar is now available on our website: www.saintpaulslutheran.org. Just click the “Calendar” tab at the top of the webpage and click the time for event details. OFFICE HOURS The office is lightly staffed. Regular office hours are 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays. Please call before coming in case of unexpected closure. Phone: 952-938-4683, Fax: 952-938-1141, email: [email protected], Website: saintpaulslutheran.org. MAILING LIST Please notify the church office when you notify the Post Office you will be temporarily away.

St. Paul’s congregation is pleased to send you this newsletter. However, if you prefer not to receive it, please call the church office at 952-938-4683 or e-mail us at [email protected].

We are moving toward “going green” in the future. The newsletter is available on our website. Save paper and postage; view it online.

PARTNER CONGREGATION Igelsia Vida Abuntante en Cristo, (Abundant Life in Christ), provides a worship service in Spanish at St. Paul’s on Sunday 1:00 – 3:00 pm and Friday, 7:00 – 9:00 pm. All are welcome. MISSION AFFILIATES Agora Ministries Augustana Chapel View Care Center in Hopkins Bet Shalom Reform Congregation Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Intercongregation Communities Association (ICA) Hopkins - Minnetonka Family Resource Center Lutherans Concerned/North America (RIC) Lutheran Social Services (LLS) Meals on Wheels Minneapolis Area Synod Oak Knoll Lutheran Church Our Saviours Housing Thrivent Financial for Lutherans West Metro Grief Support

PUBLICATION The Messenger is a newsletter published monthly by St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 13207 Lake St. Extension, Minnetonka, MN 55305.

ARTICLE SUBMISSION Please submit articles as Word attachments with your clip art to [email protected]. Include your name and contact information. Indicate whether what you are submitting is optional "filler" material or something you definitely want included in the next newsletter. For pre-printed fliers or brochures, provide a condensed version that can be directly inserted in the newsletter. If needed, include the name of a contact person or phone number that readers may call for more information. Submission deadline is the fifteenth of the month. All submissions are subject to editing for space and content. All rights reserved by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.

ST. PAUL’S CHURCH COUNCIL & ASSISTING

ADMINISTRATORS

Vince Jacobson President

Mary Hromatka Vice President

Carolyn Carpenter Council Secretary

Mike Mikulay Treasurer

Rev. Louise Mollick Pastor

Connie Hessevick Council Member

Jeanne Moe Council Member Kathy Powers Council Member

Bernie Johnson Associate Treasurer

Shirley Schaller Financial Secretary

Open position Music Director Linda McGee Kristen Campbell Mike Mikulay Accompanists

Linda Dundas Administrative Assistant

Lisa Foss Webmaster AUXILIARY BUILDING USE St. Paul’s encourages use of it’s facility by outside entities such that it will support our mission statement. Examples would be the 12 Step anonymous programs, local neighborhood organizations, and other congregations. Please contact us at 952-938-4683 for more information if interested.

Page 3: St. Paul’s Lutheran Messenger, September 2009

COUNCIL NEWS

St. Paul’s Church Council meets at 7:00 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month. Congregation members are welcome to attend and/or submit items for the agenda by contacting one of the

council members.

Council Meeting Highlights

August 11, 2009

Gathering Council President Vince Jacobson called the meeting to order at 7:05 pm. Present were Vince Jacobson, Mary Hromatka, Mike Mikulay, Pr. Louise Mollick, Connie Hessevick, and Jeanne Moe. Absent were Carolyn Carpenter and Kathy Powers. Youth position vacant.

Vince offered an opening prayer.

Reports

• Pr. Louise presented ministry meetings and events along with visitation/contacts for months of June and July. Much discussion ensued in regards to membership concerns. Consideration was given to an article, along with an advertisement, to the local newspaper as a means to reach new members. Pastor will be attending the Churchwide Assembly as a voting delegate Aug 17-23. The next congregational gathering and potluck brunch is August 30th.

• Pastor Louise reported on service team discussion. Members discussed the variety of service team formats and opportunity to consider change at St. Paul’s. A plan proposed would be to discuss the division of teams by tasks versus by monthly calendar or a combination of. One option proposed is a 3 month calendar service team beginning at the church year or Advent. A decision to firm up a proposal by next council meeting was discussed with communication to congregation during the monthly September congregational gathering & potluck. As part of the ministry team discussion, Pastor Louise spoke of her experience with open, flexible ministry teams with a stated outcome goal. For example, if a member desired to facilitate a Bible study, they could determine on their own a location, time and agenda. Connie noted that the activities must meet the bylaws. Vince stated we

intend to propose revised bylaws at the Annual Congregation Meeting in January.

• Youth Ministry: 1 camper was funded for Luther Dell camp this summer.

• Education: Mary noted that a new plan is in place. Also, International Peace Day will be celebrated Sunday 9/20/09.

• Finance: Mike reported on the current budget; year to date earnings are as expected for summer months. We continue to deplete our monthly bank account at a rate of ~$3500. Mike is planning a “Financial Summit” and gleaning expertise from previous financial planners at St. Paul’s.

• Worship & Music: Connie reported on changes to the bulletin cover.

Continuing Business

• Music Director position to be filled soon.

New Business

• Discipleship Academy begins mid-September and meets through May on every other Saturday. Pastor and Vince attended in 2008.

• Staff Support Team member to be appointed.

• Our building may be taking on another AA meeting on Tuesday evenings. Linda Dundas and Mary started a review of the Building Use Policy.

• Coffee money and Thrivent funding: Council looked at this as a triple success. Coffee funds would be designated to a particular charity until an assigned dollar goal was achieved. Once that charity goal was fulfilled, a new charitable organization would be designated. Coffee funds are currently put towards the Heifer project. The next council meeting will determine a listing of potential charity recipients. It becomes a triple success when our coffee monies are coupled with pennies from VBS. Then the congregation is challenged to match the VBS/coffee total and the combined total is matched by Thrivent. The meeting closed with prayer and adjourned by 9:20 pm. Disclaimer Highlights are provided for advance information purposes only. The above is not official meeting minutes and is subject to correction and/or change.

Page 4: St. Paul’s Lutheran Messenger, September 2009
Page 5: St. Paul’s Lutheran Messenger, September 2009

Seeing God When Jesus called his first disciples, and they in turn invited others, they didn’t actually show up at the door with a tract and a prepared speech about being saved. They went around to people they knew and invited them to “come and see”. Those who came saw Jesus see how the lives of those around him were being transformed and were transformed themselves. … and so it goes today. I have always thought of Lutheranism as a rich, private, personal faith helping make our lives loving and joyful. Lutheran Evangelism is usually passive at best. When people see the love in us and long for it for themselves, and spend enough time begging us, we eventually share the source of that love. What is it that they see that they long for? I am convinced that they see God in our lives and hunger for him. Why is it that we so rarely see the importance of sharing God’s part in our lives with others who are important to us? Why don’t we invite more people to “come and see”? If people do come, are we afraid that they will not see what we expect? When thinking about where we see God, one common conclusion is “in church”. When we come to church, God is there waiting for us. The church building is thought of as God’s house and when we go there, we are more likely to expect to see God than when we are in other places. We also have liturgy and hymns of praise, and a Pastor leading us that help us be more attentive than usual to signs of God’s presence. But church is much more than a building. It is a gathering of believers, and I see God in the people; in each of your faces reflecting God’s love. I can’t imagine beginning to know God without having examples in the lives around me that reflect God’s love. When I say “come to our church and see” I am comfortable with the invitation because people who come will see the same environment that revitalizes me.

I sometimes wonder if some people think that when we go home from church on Sunday, God goes down in the basement where it’s cool and plays solitaire until we come back. In reality, when we leave the church building, God goes with us, never leaving our side. So we have just as much opportunity to see God when we are outside the building as when we are inside. It is our charge to live our lives watching for God, answering the door when he knocks, and working to discern his will. We may see God in His Word, in nature, in the rare times of quiet, in the people we encounter, and woven within the daily decisions we make. And just as we are recharged by the people in whom we see God, we are to live our lives in a way that people can see God in our lives; yes, even outside the church. Of course, if we think God is in the church basement playing solitaire, we will not look for him elsewhere. That is, we will not see God outside the church building if we don’t expect to see him there, and that would be tragic because Jesus’ mission is all about reaching people outside the building. Pray that each of us tune our hearts to be aware of God beside us, see God in one another and in our daily lives, and be recharged by what we see. Pray for others to see God in us and pray for the strength in both us and others to make and accept invitations to ”come and see”. Blessings, Vince Jacobson

A MESSAGE FROM

OUR PRESIDENT

Page 6: St. Paul’s Lutheran Messenger, September 2009

Family Night Out

St. Paul’s Youth and Family Ministry is excited to announce a new format

for our gatherings this year. To try to better meet the busy schedules of our

families’ lives, we will hold a once-a-month family gathering to which ALL

families are invited. The evenings, which will be held the third Thursday of

every month, will include a potluck spaghetti dinner, and will be focused

on the young children in our congregation (ages 0 – sixth grade) though everyone is welcome to attend.

Families are invited to attend together, as this ministry is meant to help encourage a faithful dialogue

between parents and children. We are asking that each family unit take the responsibility for organizing

and planning one month’s gathering which might include game night, Bible trivia, movies, baking or

whatever else your families can think up! We ask that there be a short devotion or Bible study as part of

the evening, and we have plenty of resources for you to use to plan. Our first family gathering

will be Thursday, September 17 from 6:00 – 7:30 PM, led by Lisa, Ryan, Kristian and Sawyer

Foss. We’re looking for families to sign up for the remaining Thursdays, and a sign-up sheet will be in

the narthex. If you have any questions or want to pick your month before your choice is gone, please

contact Lisa Foss, gathering coordinator, at 952-401-8044 or [email protected].

International Day of Peace 2009

Each year since the first International Day of Peace (“Peace Day”) was

celebrated in 1982 people all over the world take the opportunity to inspire,

empower, and rededicate their commitment to work for a more peaceful,

just and sustainable world. Whatever the event, whether it be as simple as

lighting a candle at noon, as complex as organizing a concert for

thousands or as powerful as praying, the impact is immense.

On Sunday, September 20 (the day before the official Day of Peace) we will come together to worship

our Lord, the Prince of Peace, using a liturgy called “Here in this Ordinary Place: A Liturgy of

Nonviolence and Joyful Work for Peace” by Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer and Bret Hesla. This will be an

opportunity for us to open ourselves to the invitational power of God that calls us “to be mindful of daily

mysteries, to be peacemakers, to embody hope, and to live authentic lives in the midst of our joy-filled,

suffering world,” (from Worship in the Spirit of Jesus p.101).

Please be sure to join us for this very special event and be sure to invite family, friends and neighbors

to come and PRAY FOR PEACE!

Page 7: St. Paul’s Lutheran Messenger, September 2009

Is Your Marriage Due for a Tune-up?

Is your timing off? Does your marriage lack spark? Attending a Marriage Encounter Weekend will make your marriage run like new. You’ll spend two nights in a comfortable hotel and enjoy five delicious meals from Friday at 7:00 pm to Sunday at 5:00 pm. Four presenting couples, including a Lutheran clergy couple, give a series of presentations followed by questions the couples discuss in the privacy of their hotel room. There is no counseling and no group sharing. No one tries to change who you are. It’s great for couples who already have a good marriage and want to enrich their relationship, but it also does wonders for those marriages that have lost their luster though years of child rearing and work obligations. The next Lutheran Marriage Encounter Weekends in Minnesota are October 16-18 in Duluth and November 20-22 in Brooklyn Center. Please register a month in advance. For more information, contact Dick & Judy Dehnel at 952-432-3105, Pete & Phyllis McMahon at 763-561-1575 or visit www.godlovesmarriage.org.

The Commemoration of St. Francis of Assisi

The 21st article of the Augsburg Confession says, “It is taught among us that saints should be kept in remembrance so that our faith may be strengthened when we see what grace they received and how they were

sustained by faith. Moreover, their good works are to be an example for us, each of us in [his/her] own calling.”

October 4th is the day that the Church commemorates St. Francis of Assisi well known for his love of creation and all of God’s creatures. On this day, in various parts of

the world, some may see processions of animals, everything from dogs and cats to hamsters and even horses being led to churches for a special ceremony called the Blessing of the Animals.

YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS THIS!!! On Oct. 4th, you AND your pets are invited to attend worship together! We will enjoy the opportunity to bring our animal

companions (furry, feathered or finned) to church for a special blessing. On this day we will all be reminded that church is indeed the place where the bond of creation is celebrated.

A MUST: Please be sure to bring your animal on a leash, crated, or in a carrier and make sure that you can keep your pet under your control at all times!

Blessed are you, Lord God, maker of all living creatures. You called forth fish in the sea, birds in the air, and animals on the land. You inspired St. Francis to call all of them brothers and sisters. By the power of your love, enable us all to live together according to your plan. May we always praise you for all your beauty in creation. Blessed are you, Lord our God, in all your creatures! Amen.

Community Day of Service

Join with others in the Hopkins-East Minnetonka faith community in a Community Day of Service on Saturday, October 3 and Sunday, October 4. We are preparing to engage over 500 volunteers in different projects form painting and park clean-up to letter-writing to service members. There will be opportunities for individals and groups of all ges and abilities. Sign up for projects as a church or individual at www.glconline.org.

The Day of Service will conclude with a Celebration Event and Community Meal sponsored by ICA at 5:00 pm on Sunday, October 4 at Central park in Hopkins (Fire Hall in case of ran). Live music by Dixieland band.

Page 8: St. Paul’s Lutheran Messenger, September 2009

July 27, 2009 St. Paul’s Lutheran Church 13207 Lake Street Extension Minnetonka, MN 55305-4921 Dear Pastor Louise, I woke up last night and realized how fortunate we are to be members of St. Paul’s. The people there have been so generous with their time to give us a ride to church every Sunday. Sitting in church last Sunday, I looked around the congregation and felt overwhelmed with pride from being a member of St. Paul’s all these years. I’ve often thought every day of life is a gift, but never realized or thought about the gift of giving to others, as those of our own congregation has given to us. Yes, a church family is truly a blessed gift! My heart reaches out to you in thanks for your thoughtfulness. We are recognizing the benefits of being in your family. God works through His people. Sincerely, Shirlee & Dick Waltz 901 Feltl Court #406 Hopkins, MN 55343

Chapel View Schedule

Once a month our congregation provides worship for residents and friends at Augustana Chapel View Health Care Center in Hopkins. This is

a marvelous opportunity for us to share the love of Jesus out in the community. We always need helpers. Please mark your calendar now and let Pr. Louise know if you can attend. Thank you.

Dates: September 6 October 11 November 15 and December 20.

Job Transition WorkshopJob Transition WorkshopJob Transition WorkshopJob Transition Workshop

If you have experienced job loss, or know someone who has, this workshop will help. There is no cost to attend. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans invites you to get the Strategies, Opportunities and Support you need to get your next job. Presented by Catherin Byers Breet, Job Hunt Coaching System, www.jobuntworkshop.com.

9:30 – 11:30 am Monday, September 28 at Minnetonka Lutheran Church, 16023 Minnetonka Blvd. RSVP ASAP to Thrivent Rep. Chad Reisner at 952-443-2131 or 763-442-7734 (cell). The first 50 people to register for this workshop will walk away with a complimentary copy of Catherine’s “4 Steps to a Great New Job”.

Parent’s Morning Out September 9 – May 19

2009 – 2010

Provided by Faith Presbyterian Church 12007 Excelsior Blvd, Minnetonka 55343

Director: Kathy terSteeg [email protected] 952-935-4481 ext. 14

PMO is a strong program bridging childcare and preschool for children 8 months to 5 years of age. Music, gym, snack, and story time is offered. Staffed with loving adults who enjoy teaching and inter-acting with children, even the infant/toddler classes enjoy music and gym!

When: Wednesday mornings 9:15 am to 12:15

Cost: $60/month – 8 months to 2 years $55/month – 2 to 3 years $50/month – 3 to 5 years

A Lunch Bunch program is an option for families that need to streeeeetch the morning out. Available November 4 through May 12 from 12:15 to 2:00 pm. Please contact Kathy terSteeg for details.

Page 9: St. Paul’s Lutheran Messenger, September 2009

For more information, please call our coalition co-coordinator, Darcie Rodman at (763) 546-4404

September 6 – Time after Pentecost Isaiah 35:4-7a Psalm 146 James 2:1-10 [11-13] 14-17 Mark 7:24-37 September 13 – Time after Pentecost Isaiah 50:4-9a Psalm 116:1-9 James 3:1-12 Mark 8:27-38 September 20 – Time after Pentecost Jeremiah 11:18-20 Psalm 34 James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a Mark 9:30-37 September 27 – Time after Pentecost Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29 Psalm 19:7-14 James 5:13-26 Mark 9:38-50

October 4 – Time after Pentecost Genesis 2:18-24 Psalm 8 Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12 Mark 10:2-16 October 11 - Time after Pentecost Amos 5:6-7, 10-15 Psalm 90:12-17 Hebrews 4:12-16 Mark 10:17-31 October 18 – Time after Pentecost Isaiah 53:4-12 Psalm 91:9-16 Hebrews 5:1-10 Mark 10:35-45 October 25 – Time after Pentecost Jeremiah 31:31-34 Psalm 46 Romans 3:19-28 John 8:31-36

West Metro Grief Support Group West Metro Grief Support Coalition invites all persons experiencing grief due to a death. Grief support groups

offer hope and healing through education, listening, sharing, prayer and fellowship.

Tuesdays 4:30 – 6 :30 p.m.

Immaculate Heart of Mary Church 13505 Excelsior Blvd.

Minnetonka, MN 55345

DATE SPEAKER TOPIC _____________ September 1 Brenda DeMotte Gender Differences MSW, LICSW September 8 Lynn Baskfield, MA Creativity & Grief September 15 Grace Wagnild Self Care

September 22 Host church We remember our loved ones

Sunday Bible Readings [Can be used for bulletin cover design inspiration]

Page 10: St. Paul’s Lutheran Messenger, September 2009

MEMBER NEWS

7 Nate Brenk & Jenni MacNaughton 15 Dale & Laura Eggert 22 Rey & Lois Lindquist

CURRENT NEEDS: ●Communion Bread: There is space on our monthly service team to bring bread for communion. You do not have

to make bread from a certain list of recipes. It can be purchased, gluten free, pita or baked from your favorite bread recipe. However, the texture of banana or certain fruit breads will not work. If you need a recipe, check out a list of several communion breads in the altar work room. ●Altar Cloths: Altar cloths are missing fairly often. If you sign up for altar care and the cloths become stained, and you do not wish to clean them, leave it in the altar room and Ruth Johnson has agreed to take care of them. Thanks to all who help serve. ●Duster & straightener: After years of dedicated service, Maxine Rieman is stepping down form this invaluable volunteer position. Please notify the office if you would be willing to come in once a week to straighten up and dust the sanctuary, pews, narthex, and library. It’s an easy and joyous service.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ September Service Team

�church council member

Anderson – Doug, Terri, Cory, Sammi

Bonner/Hromatka - Dean, Mary�, Nora

Eggert – Laura

Erickson – Muriel

Falk – Grace, Ron

Hanson – Darold, Diane

Jacobson – Vince�, Kris

Lindquist – Rey, Lois

Ramsden – Roger, Joyce

Rieman – Maxine

Schaller – Shirley

Schmitz – Matt, Shari, Maggie, Heidi,

Haily, Kelsey, Riley

Smith – Lorraine

Tollefson – Paul, Pat

October Service Team �church council member

Carpenter – Marshall, Carolyn� Foss – Ryan, Lisa, Kristian, Sawyer Guetschow – Bob, Jan Hessevick – Connie� Hoyhyta – Carol Johnson – Bernie, Ruth MacNaughton – Jenni, Katie, Zach Majersky, Deloris McGee – Linda Moe – Rick, Jeanne, Britta, Erik, Kris Nelson – Steve, Wanda Olson – Ray, Jean Peterson - Mary Kay Rodman/Rudolph - Darcie, Chuck, Peter Rutzen – Doris Smith – Kay, Ken, Michael

1 Ruth Johnson, Lisa Foss 4 Alexander Saal 7 Shari Schmitz 8 Heidi & Haily Schmitz, Shawn Schmitz 15 Laura Miklulay, Tom Powers 16 Rachel Larson, Ruth Thompson 18 Gary Winsor 19 Bryce Werner 22 Deb Campbell 24 Barb Wolfe, Pr. Louise Mollick 30 Nate Brenk

Blessed Blessed Blessed Blessed Anniversaries:Anniversaries:Anniversaries:Anniversaries:

Page 11: St. Paul’s Lutheran Messenger, September 2009

St. Paul's Lutheran Church 13207 Lake Street Extension

Minnetonka, MN 55305

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Please deliver within 5 days

of September 1, 2009

Non-Profit Org.

U.S. Postage

PAID

Permit #532

Hopkins, MN 55343

LOOK WHAT’S HAPPENING!!!

Sunday, all 9:30 am Holy Communion followed by refreshments Sunday, Sept. 6 Food Shelf Sunday, 2:00 pm Chapel View worship Sunday, Sept. 13 Rally Sunday, 2:00 pm Jesus, Justice, Jazz The Tour Sunday, Sept. 20 Int’l Day of Peace celebration Sunday, Sept. 27 Monthly Gathering with potluck brunch, 2:00 pm Beacon Hill

Monday, Sept. 7 Labor Day, Office Closed Monday, Sept. 14 7:00 pm Breast Cancer Survivors, Spong discussion Monday, Sept. 28 7:00 pm Breast Cancer Survivors

Tuesday, Sept. 8 7:00 pm Council meeting

Wednesday, Sept. 2 11:30 am Befrienders Wednesday, Sept. 9 11:30 am Prayer Shawl Ministry Wednesday, Sept. 23 6:30 pm Confirmation Orientation at Oak Knoll Lutheran Wednesday, Sept. 30 6:30 pm Confirmation Ministry classes begin

Thursday, Sept. 17 6:00 pm 1st Family Night Out, 6:15 pm Our Saviour’s serving

Friday, all 10:00 am Coffee with Pr. Louise (see calendar for locations)

Saturday, Sept. 12 8:30 am Men’s Breakfast at Hopkins Perkins


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