August 1, 2025

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This Week In Worship

Sunday, August 3, 2025


In-Person Worship 


9:30am


YouTube Livestream at 9:30am

See the Sunday morning Crosswinds to watch the YouTube Livestream this week.

Church News

Pastoral Transition Team Updates


Please click on the following link for the latest news:


https://www.stbarnabaslutheran.org/blog/interim-update

St. Barnabas Financial Support


Thank you for your ongoing financial support of St. Barnabas and our ministry partners. Your faithful support makes it possible to live out our mission in the community and the world.

Yehiel Curry Elected

Presiding Bishop of the ELCA


PHOENIX — The Rev. Yehiel Curry was elected July 30 to serve a six-year term as presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The election took place during the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly being held July 28–Aug. 2 at the Phoenix (Ariz.) Convention Center.


Curry was elected on the fifth ballot. There were 799 votes cast, with 400 votes needed for an election. Curry received 562 votes, and the Rev. Kevin Strickland, bishop of the ELCA Southeastern Synod, received 237 votes. Curry is the first Black presiding bishop of the ELCA.


Speaking to the assembly after his election, Curry reflected on his membership at Shekinah Chapel in Riverdale, Ill., where he eventually became a lay mission developer while he participated in the Theological Education for Emerging Ministries program, which prepares individuals for ordained ministry in the ELCA, with a focus on emerging ministry contexts like ethnic-specific, multicultural, rural and inner-city settings. He spoke to the assembly about his initial hesitation in accepting that first ministry role.


“Perhaps I’m out there in one of you,” Curry said. “I never saw myself as good enough, so for two years, I said no. I finally said yes. When I said yes, your support, this church’s support, of that ministry meant everything. So if you want to know what your benevolence dollars look like, it looks like me, and I want to say thank you. Thank you for your investment.”


Curry has served as bishop of the ELCA Metropolitan Chicago Synod since 2019. He previously served as mission developer (2009-2012) and pastor (2012-2019) of Shekinah.

He received a Bachelor of Arts from Lewis University in Romeoville, Ill., in 1995 and a Master of Divinity from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC) in 2013. LSTC is one of seven ELCA seminaries.


The churchwide assembly, the chief legislative authority of the ELCA, is meeting under the theme “For the Life of the World.” The assembly will participate in plenary discussions to make decisions about the work of this church. They will also spend time in worship and engage in various ways of theological reflection. (reprinted from LivingLutheran.org)

“Transitions” led by Pastor Alex George


Three Tuesday evenings: August 12, 19, and 26 at 6:30pm. Pastor Alex is a St. Barnabas member and chaplain at Children’s Hospital. Our church has been amid a sea of change since 2020 with the pandemic, pastoral and staffing changes, and those natural changes that happen within our own lives. Each of the three 60-minute sessions will include a topic discussion around grief and healing, opportunities to share, and a focus on ritual and prayer. All are welcome to participate. You can sign up at the Welcome Center.

Christian Education


We are excited to be gearing up for another year of programing! Sunday School and Confirmation is open for registration. Sunday School will be studying the Bible story from worship each Sunday and Confirmation will be exploring what it means to be a Lutheran Christian. Please put September 7th on your calendar for our kick-off Sunday and Blessing of the Backpacks and Teachers! Please use the email registration link you received from Bryce or click on this QR Code to register.

Like Coffee?


Everyone enjoys having a treat and a cup of coffee with their friends on Sunday mornings, but we can’t offer this ministry of fellowship without people to host the coffee hour. While we could use more volunteers in lots of ministry areas, we’re especially in need of extra Coffee Hosts. If you’ve never volunteered in this area before, we will train you in everything you need to know. Sign up at the Welcome Center. 

Hospital Visitation


If you or someone you know will be hospitalized and would like a visit from a pastor, please reach out directly to the church office or one of the pastors. HIPAA confidentiality laws prohibit hospitals from sharing patient information.

The Prayer Chain


If you would like to participate in praying for our members and friends, please talk with Pastor Tom. If you would like to request prayer from our Prayer Chain, contact Brenda in the church office or talk with Pastor Tom or our Pastoral Assistant Bryce. Please indicate if you would like your prayer request to be shared with the congregation, or if it is confidential. For those needing our prayers, any member of the congregation can request a prayer shawl for themselves, friends or family. Please contact Bonnie Welshons or Brenda in the church office to obtain a prayer shawl and the pamphlet that goes with it.

Other News & Church Activities

Dementia Care Support Group


This group will meet Mondays from 2:30pm-3:30pm on August 11th, and August 18th in the Family Resource Office here at church. If you're looking for advice, encouragement, or simply need someone to listen, you’ll find support here.


For questions or to sign up, contact Melissa Weinhandl at (952) 484-9859 or mlweinhandl@gmail.com.

OWLs Event


Join us in the ministry center on Tuesday, August 12th from 1pm-2:15pm to reminisce about growing up in the 1950’s & early 1960’s. Our guest Mike Henry is a former DJ and he'll take us back to the birth of rock & roll playing clips from over 100 of the biggest hit records today’s seniors grew up listening to. He will also tell stories about the songs, artists and the times while showing pictures on the big screen. This will be a very exciting event for all! Coffee and snacks will be provided. You can sign up at the Welcome Center.


UPDATE: We need more people to sign up for this event. If we don't get enough attendees we may have to cancel so please sign up the next time you're at church or call the office to have your name added to the list.

Cross+Generational Ministry


Our next Cross+Generational event will be on Wednesday, August 20th from 5:30pm-7pm. These monthly events will be continuing into the fall on Wednesday nights. Join us!

Solo Sisters


On Monday, August 4th, the Solo Sisters will be meeting at the State Capitol. For details, contact Julie Hanson at 612-636-6015.

Personal Care Kits ~ July 27th


Thanks to all who helped make the personal care kits this past Sunday! You were so efficient and worked so quickly, that anyone who waited to have their cup of coffee first was out of luck to put a kit together! We finished in record time! Now 40 more people somewhere in the US or around the world will have several grooming items to call their own! 

Partner Ministry News

Gift of Love

August "Gift of Love"

Lutheran Campus Ministry

    

The need for services at The Bridge is critical. Nearly 6,000 youth experience homelessness every night in Minnesota. The Bridge supports minor youth ages 10-17 and centers youth voice, justice

and equity in all they do, and empowers youth experiencing homelessness through safe shelter, basic needs, and healthy relationships. All youth feel safe, accepted, and supported.

August Birthdays

Community Happenings

Alert Plymouth ~ Tuesday, August 5th

5:00pm


A citywide test of the emergency notification system, Alert Plymouth. Alert Plymouth can call, text and/or email residents in an emergency. Update contact information and sign up at plymouthmn.gov/alertplymouth.

Night to Unite ~ Tuesday, August 5th

6:30pm-9:00pm


An annual statewide get-to-know-the-neighbors initiative, Night to Unite returns once again to Plymouth neighborhoods. The evening serves as a community building event centered around crime prevention and strengthening neighborhood ties. Neighbors are encouraged to hold outdoor gatherings to get to know each other. They can be as simple as potluck dinners, ice cream socials or ordering carryout from a local restaurant. For details, visit plymouthmn.gov/ntu.

Plymouth Rockers ~ August 19th

7:00pm-8:00pm


Join us for this free concert at the Millennium Garden. Since 1991 the Plymouth Rockers Performing Senior Chorus of Plymouth, MN, has entertained Twin Cities audiences. They boast a membership of more than 65 men and women, all 55+ years old, from 15 cities in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. They sing music from Folk to Broadway and Gospel to Golden Oldies.


Bring your own chairs or blankets. Seating will NOT be provided. 

Nearby Farmers Markets


Maple Grove:

Thursdays, May 8th - October 16th from 3pm-7pm


Plymouth Outdoors:

Wednesdays, June 18th - October 1st from 2:30pm-6pm (1550 County Rd 6)


Plymouth Indoors:

Wednesdays, June 18th to October 1st from 10am-2pm (10050 6th Ave N)


Wayzata:

Thursdays, 1:30pm-5:30pm (850 Lake Street N)


Minnetonka:

Tuesdays, 3pm-7pm (14600 Minnetonka Blvd)

Photo of the Week

Donations Needed

Donation Station (Updated 7/2/25)

Here is what we're currently collecting at our Donation Station in the Narthex.

 

Good News Jail Ministry

Needed: XL thru XXXL sweat pants & shirts, and fall/winter coats.

 

IOCP

Most Needed Items

  • Paper Grocery Bags
  • Baby Wipes
  • Diapers (size 6)
  • Pull Ups (size 3T & 4T)
  • Branded Box Cereal

Clothing & Household Items

  • Pots & Pans, Everyday Dish Sets, Cooking Utensils, Silverware new or like-new
  • Small Kitchen Appliances (coffee pots, slow cookers, blenders, etc.)
  • Accessories (purses, shoes, jewelry)
  • Men’s Clothing (all sizes, including Big and Tall): casual wear, active wear, jeans, shoes
  • Children’s Shoes (all sizes)
  • Summer Clothing and Shoes (all sizes and genders)
  • Children’s Socks & Underwear (all sizes) new
  • Men’s Underwear (S, M, L) new
  • Women’s Underwear (XS, S, M, L) new
  • Women’s Socks (all sizes) new
  • Women’s Bras (XS, S, M) new


Donation Hours: Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays 10am – 5pm

Donations can be dropped off at the east side of our building at 1605 County Road 101 N Plymouth, MN 55447

Back-to-School is Coming...


IOCP’s annual Back-to-School Program will take place again in August. This program helps to ensure K-12 students are equipped with the most-needed school supplies to support their learning.

 

This year we will be in need of:

 

  • Donated backpacks. All backpacks should be:
  • New and/or unused
  • Large enough to hold a laptop or have the following dimensions: 17.5” tall x 13” wide x 7.5” in diameter
  • Have at least two compartments and a pocket to hold a water bottle
  • Solid colors and/or patterns – no character backpacks please. Consider purchasing bright and vibrant colors (blue, green, red, pink, purple, teal, yellow, etc.)
  • High quality brands like Jansport, Columbia, WildKin, SwissGear, Cat and Jack (Target brand), Lands End, LL Bean, etc.
  • Dropped off at the IOCP Donation Door during regular hours (Mon., Wed., Fri. 10am – 5pm)
  • Volunteers. Look for shifts coming in August to help verify and pack supply kits or assist with distribution

Resources & Links

Spread the Word!

 

Have you Liked and Followed our Facebook and Instagram pages? No? Go there right now and do it! (Please.) When you like our pages, they show up for the people you know, and we can extend our reach. Plus, the more you engage (like commenting, liking, and sharing posts), the further the word gets out! It's an easy way to tell everyone you know about St. Barnabas!

Facebook.Logo

Want something in the E-News?


Do you want your small group information, community activities or church news in the

weekly E-News? Please email your articles to Brenda Ericson with all the details by Wednesday morning of the week you want it shared.

Church Council Minutes


Copies of the minutes are available in the narthex. They are also located on our website.


If you'd like to be added to the email list, call the church office at 763-553-1239

Bulletin Delivery


Want a Bulletin Delivered? For those who are not able to access the worship video, some of our BeFrienders will deliver printed copies of the bulletin on Friday's.


If you'd like to have a bulletin delivered, you can call the church office at

763-553-1239.



Counseling and Therapy

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Like us on Facebook

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