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A Message from Pastor Dale
As Sunday approaches, I find myself mindful of how much anxiety and uncertainty many people (including myself) are carrying right now. Conversations I’ve had this week, along with what we see on the news and social media unfolding in our communities, our cities, our state, and our world, remind me that fear often settles quietly into our hearts long before we find words for it. Some are worried about their loved friends and family members. Some feel unsettled by the forces that feel larger than themselves. Others are simply tired of living with so much tension, uncertainty and unpredictability that seems to unfold on a daily basis as we awake.
This Sunday’s Gospel reading, from John 1:29–42, meets us right there.
John the Baptist looks at Jesus and says, “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” That image is striking. God does not enter a fearful world as a symbol of domination or control, but as a lamb. Vulnerable. Gentle. Present. Jesus comes close to human suffering rather than standing above it.
Later in the passage, two disciples begin to follow Jesus, and he turns to them and asks, “What are you looking for?” It’s a simple question, and yet a deep one. What are we looking for when fear and anxiety rise? Certainty? Safety? Reassurance? Peace? Jesus does not overwhelm them with answers. He simply says, “Come and see.” Come and stay. Come and be with me.
This is how faith unfolds in uncertain times. Not through quick solutions, but through presence. Not through the absence of fear, but through companionship in the midst of it. Scripture reminds us again and again that fear is not a failure of faith. God meets people when they are afraid and draws them into deeper trust and community.
On Sunday, we will reflect on how Jesus meets us in our anxiety, fear, and uncertainty and invites us to follow him with honest, broken hearts. We will listen for how God’s peace is different from the world’s sense of security, and how hope can coexist with lament.
Which brings me to an invitation. In response to the fear, uncertainty and anxiety that many are experiencing, on Thursday evenings, we have begun offering a weekly time of Lament & Hope from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. p.m. in our church sanctuary. This will be a quiet, contemplative gathering with Scripture, music, candle lighting, prayer, and silence. It is meant to be a safe, spacious place to bring whatever you are carrying, whether it is concern for the world, stress in your own life, or a need simply to sit in God’s presence.
As always, know that you are not alone. Christ walks with us, even when the path feels uncertain.
I look forward to worshiping with you this Sunday when we will officially welcome our two newest members, Ruth Iverson and Connie Bahnemann, whom many of you have already come to know and love. We are grateful for their presence among us.
See you in church! (and bring a friend!)
Pastor Dale
| | The December 2025 Church Council minutes are available here, on our website, and in the council book in the library. | | |
Join us next Sunday, January 25, at 10:30 a.m., for our Annual Congregational Meeting, with a potluck lunch to follow.
The Annual Congregational Report is available on our website and on the table in the narthex; please take only one copy per family. All are encouraged to attend as we gather to celebrate God’s work among us and look ahead with hope to the year to come.
In accordance with our church constitution, official voting members of St. Paul Lutheran Church are confirmed members who, during the current or preceding calendar year, have communed in this congregation and have made a financial contribution of record to the church. Members who meet these criteria have both voice and vote at the Annual Congregational Meeting.
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In an unsettled world, you are invited to a quiet, contemplative time of prayer and reflection.
We will gather in the sanctuary on Thursday nights from 6:00 p.m.—7:00 p.m. with scripture, music, candle lighting, prayer, and silence, making room for both lament and hope.
Whether you are carrying concern for the world or personal grief and uncertainty, you are encouraged to attend as able.
Come as you are.
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Come to The Table—This Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. We’ll begin with a shared meal, followed by worship and intergenerational learning around The Table. Together we’ll eat, sing, and grow in faith, just as Jesus so often did with his followers. This week, our focus will be Matthew 7:1–14, 24–29, where Jesus teaches about judgment, discernment, and the importance of building our lives on a solid foundation. Children, youth, and adults will gather in age-specific groups: The Kids’ Table (up to 3rd grade), SPLASH (4th–6th grade), Mindfulness with Jesus (7th–12th grade), and Adult Study. All are welcome. Come as you are and pull up a chair at The Table.
| | BLESSING OF OUR NEW PRAYER WALL | | |
We are excited to celebrate the blessing of our new Prayer Wall in the Prayer Room during worship on Sunday, January 25.
This beautiful and meaningful addition to our church was lovingly crafted by one of our members, Jaime Hyrkas, who shared his talent and heart to create a unique space and opportunity for prayer for our entire congregation.
Modeled after the Western “Wailing Wall” in Jerusalem and inspired by the prayer wall at the Meadows on Fairview Assisted Living in Wyoming, Jaime used a variety of woods, some from our old church pews, some from our old church mailboxes, and some given by his late friend and beloved member, Bill Oswald, to create a colorful, thoughtfully designed wooden wall.
Just as visitors to the Western “Wailing Wall” place written prayers into the cracks of the stones, we invite you, anytime on Sunday or during the week, to write your prayers on the paper provided in the Prayer Room and place them into one of the spaces on the wall. Periodically, a member of our Prayer Team or one of the pastors will lift these prayers up in prayer before they are removed.
Come and see this special new place for connection, reflection, and prayer, and make plans to join us as we bless this gift to our congregation!
| | WINTER COAT AND CLOTHING DRIVE | | We are collecting gently used or new warm winter clothing to support our neighbors experiencing homelessness through the Union Gospel Mission in St. Paul. Coats, hats, gloves, scarves, boots, and other cold-weather items are greatly needed and will be distributed directly to those in need. Donations may be placed in the basket in the narthex. For questions, please contact the church office or Dave and Mary Haselbauer. Thank you for helping share warmth this winter. | | |
ENGAGE: Lutherans! A Monthly Worship & Learning Series
Six special Sundays during the school year have been planned, when worship will highlight what it means to be an E.L.C.A. Lutheran, followed by 30–45 minutes of learning for all ages.
The six core Lutheran themes that shape our faith and life together will explore a central “both/and” truth of our tradition.
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Sunday, February 15 – Cross and Resurrection - At the cross we see God’s love revealed in weakness, and in the resurrection we trust God’s promise of new life.
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Sunday, April 12 – Law and Gospel - God’s Word both convicts us in our sin (Law) and frees us with the promise of grace (Gospel).
After worship, groups will gather by age: Wild Faith for Littles (birth–5 and parents), Wild Explorers (K–4th grade), 5th–6th graders as helpers and leaders, and Confirmation Vitality (7th–9th grade).
Whether or not you can join Wednesday nights, ENGAGE is another great way on Sunday mornings for kids, youth, and parents to connect and grow in faith together.
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Our men’s group for learning, fellowship, and service meets again on Saturday, February 28 at 9:00 a.m.
We’ll start with coffee, treats, a short devotion, and prayer, followed by more hands-on work that can be on your own or together in groups.
This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy fellowship, lend a hand, and serve together. All are welcome to join The 3G Crew!
For more information, talk with Pastor Dale, Myron Carpenter, or Steve Greseth.
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Our quilting and sewing group, the Humble Bees, meets on the second Monday of each month at 12:30 p.m. at church.
No experience is necessary, this is a wonderful opportunity to learn how to quilt or sew, share your skills, or simply enjoy time together in fellowship. Whether you’re an experienced quilter, a beginner, or just curious, you are invited to join the group. And bring a friend!
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Carotid Artery Disease
The carotid arteries are the two main blood vessels on either side of the neck. They supply blood to the brain, other parts of the head, and the neck. Carotid artery disease is the narrowing or blockage of one or both carotid arteries. This condition is also called carotid artery stenosis.
Here is a document with more information, including symptoms and treatment of Carotid Artery Disease.
We are blessed to have knowledgeable, caring nurses in our congregation. If you have any questions for Joanna or Jamie, call the church office at 651-462-5212.
| | BRIDGE THE GAP - FINAL UPDATE! | | |
Joyful News! All Four Goals Achieved!
Bridge the Gap: Two Years of Renewed Mission & Ministry
With gratitude and great joy, we celebrate that all four goals of our Bridge the Gap appeal have been reached, and many ahead of schedule! God has been at work in powerful ways through your generosity, prayers, and commitment to the mission we share.
Here’s what we’ve accomplished together:
1️⃣ Increase membership by 30% - Our new member group on April 27 put us over our goal five months early!
2️⃣ Boost general fund offerings by 5% - Goal achieved, reaching so far, a potential 16% increase for 2026 (potentially more if all pledge cards are returned!)
3️⃣ Match the generous $30,000 anonymous gift - Mission accomplished nine months early!
4️⃣ Become debt-free with mortgage payoff - $100,000 received as of November 23, 2025 to pay off mortgage by year end!
We rejoice in what God has done among us and look forward with hope to the ministry ahead.
Thank you for your faith, your generosity, and your shared mission.
Thanks be to God!
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2026 Weekly
General Fund Offering Received
$10,698.00
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2026 Weekly
General Fund Offering
Budgeted
$8,838.74
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Over / (Under) Budgeted General Fund Offering
$1,859.26
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2026
Total Revenue Received
$14,712.75
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2026
Total Revenue Budgeted
$10,817.91
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Over / (Under) Budgeted Total Revenue Budgeted
$3,894.84
| | GIVE NOW! ELECTRONICALLY! | | Click the purple button to give now using our newly updated and improved electronic giving page, still powered by Vanco. You can set up a one time or recurring gift. Thank you! | | | |
Sunday, January 18
Reception of New Members
Worship, 9:00 a.m.
Vocal Choir Rehearsal, 6:00 p.m.
Bell Choir Rehearsal, 7:00 p.m.
Monday, January 19
Boy Scouts, 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, January 20
Adult Bible Study, 1:00 p.m.
Church Council Meeting, 5:30 p.m.
Cub Scouts, 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, January 21
The Table, 5:30 p.m.
Thursday, January 22
Lament & Hope, 6:00 p.m.
MomCo, 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, January 25
Worship, 9:00 a.m.
Annual Meeting and Potluck, After Worship
Vocal Choir Rehearsal, 6:00 p.m.
Bell Choir Rehearsal, 7:00 p.m.
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St. Paul Lutheran Church
651-462-5212
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