|
A Message from Pastor Dale
For Pr. Carrie and I, one of the many blessings of serving at St. Paul Lutheran is watching the many ways God brings people together. While worship will always remain at the heart of who we are, the relationships we build with one another outside of Sunday morning worship are also an important part of our life together as the body of Christ.
At our Church Council Strategic Ministry and Mission Planning Retreat in May, after having now completed our formal time of redevelopment, we spent time reflecting on where God is leading our congregation in the years ahead. One area that quickly rose to the surface was a desire to continue expanding opportunities for fellowship and congregational life. As we continue to grow as a church family, we also want to create more opportunities for people of every age and interest to build friendships, discover common interests, and simply enjoy spending time together. As a result, several exciting new opportunities have now begun to take shape.
This fall we'll launch the inaugural St. Paul Lutheran Fantasy Football League. Whether you're a lifelong football fan or have never played fantasy football before, this will be a fun, low-pressure way to connect with others through a little friendly competition.
In September we'll also be participating in Wyoming Stagecoach Days with a community booth in partnership with our Discovery Center. We're looking forward to meeting our neighbors, sharing Christ's love with joy, and creating a fun, welcoming presence in our community.
Another new opportunity is something we're calling Pass the Torch. These occasional hobby and skill-sharing workshops will invite members of our congregation to teach others something they enjoy or have learned over the years. Whether it's baking, woodworking, photography, gardening, financial planning, quilting, coding, public speaking, or any number of other interests, everyone has something worth sharing. One person's experience may become another person's new passion. These opportunities are just the beginning.
In the coming months we're exploring the possibility of launching a young adult group, complete with childcare provided at the church, making it easier for young couples with children to participate. We're also looking at forming a church gardening group to help care for our flower beds and landscaping throughout the growing season. And who knows what other wonderful ideas God may have in store? In fact, that's where you come in.
What would help you feel more connected to your church family here at St. Paul Lutheran? Is there a hobby group, activity, service project, Bible study, game night, workshop, or fellowship opportunity you've always wished we offered? We'd love to hear your ideas. Please share them with me, Pastor Carrie, or any member of the Church Council. Together we'll prayerfully explore what might be possible.
The church is far more than the building where we worship on Sunday mornings. It is a family of faith that laughs together, serves together, learns together, supports one another, and grows together in Christ. Our prayer is that these new opportunities will deepen existing friendships, create many new ones, and help every member discover even more joy in being part of the St. Paul Lutheran family. I hope you'll join us. There's a place for you.
See you in church! (And bring a friend!)
Pastor Dale
| | The July 2026 Church Council Meeting minutes are available here, on our website, and in the Church Council book in the library. | | SUMMER OUTDOOR WORSHIP SCHEDULE | | |
Join us this summer for our alternating Indoor and Outdoor Worship Services!
Throughout the season, worship will be held outdoors every other week,
weather permitting, with indoor services on the alternating Sundays.
When worshiping outside, please bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating.
If rain is forecast, the service will simply move indoors.
Our remaining Outdoor Worship Sundays are:
August 2
August 16
August 30
including our annual Blessing of the Animals
We look forward to gathering together in God's beautiful creation
for these special summer worship experiences!
| | JOIN THE FUN AT WYOMING STAGECOACH DAYS | | |
The Church Council is looking for volunteers to help plan and participate in the St. Paul Lutheran Church and Discovery Center joint booth at the upcoming Wyoming Stagecoach Days on Saturday, September 19, 2026. This team is just getting started and is looking for individuals who would enjoy being part of this exciting community outreach opportunity. Whether you would like to help plan activities, represent our church at the booth, or simply be part of creating a fun and welcoming experience for our neighbors, we would love to have you join the team! Some ideas already shared include jumbo yard games, face painting, and a “pick a duck” prize pool, but we know there are many more creative ideas and gifts within our congregation. If you would like to be part of the planning team or volunteer at the booth, please sign up in the Narthex. Contact Christina Fashner for more information. Come help us share the joy of St. Paul Lutheran with our community while having a great time together!
| | |
Save the Date! Blessing of the Animals – Sunday, August 30—Mark your calendars for our
annual Blessing of the Animals during our outdoor worship service on Sunday, August 30! We invite you to bring your pets, large or small, furry, feathered, or scaled, for a special blessing as we give thanks for all of God's wonderful creatures and the joy they bring to our lives. Pets should be leashed, kenneled, or otherwise safely restrained. If your pet isn't able to attend, you're welcome to bring a photo instead. Invite your family, friends, and neighbors to join us for this special worship celebration!
| | Prayer Wall: A Place of Remembrance & Prayer | | | | |
You are reminded that a Prayer Wall has been created in our Prayer Room as a sacred space to remember loved ones and honor those who have served. This beautiful wall, built by Jamie Hyrkas with faith, love, and prayer, serves as a lasting reminder that we hold one another in prayer.
You are invited to request the name of a deceased loved one to be added to the Prayer Wall. Requested names will be engraved monthly, creating a continuing place of remembrance, faith, and hope within our church. When we lift up our loved ones in prayer, we keep their memory alive.
Thank you for helping us create a wall that reflects the power of prayer and the strength we find when we pray together. Instructions for requesting a name to be added are available on handouts in the Prayer Room or by contacting Melissa in the Church Office.
| | Pass the Torch: Sharing Skills, Building Relationships | | |
As part of our renewed Strategic Ministry and Mission Goals, the Church Council has identified expanding fellowship and congregational life as an important area of focus.
One new opportunity growing out of this goal is Pass the Torch, a series of occasional hobby and skill-sharing workshops designed to strengthen relationships within our congregation while sharing the gifts, talents, and experiences God has given each of us. Everyone has something worth teaching! Whether you are an expert, professionally trained, highly experienced, or simply passionate about a skill or hobby you have developed, we invite you to consider sharing it with others. From baking bread and filing taxes to photography, writing, public speaking, gardening, woodworking, coding, and everything in between, the possibilities are endless.
A Pass the Torch Session is an opportunity to share what you know, inspire someone else, build confidence, and help others learn a valuable life skill. Your experience and passions could spark a new interest and create meaningful connections within our church family.
If you have a skill, hobby, or area of expertise you would like to share, please sign up in the Narthex to help us spark the flame! We can’t wait to learn from you.
| | Summer Stretch: Serving, Growing, and Having Fun! | | |
A big thank you to our middle and high school youth who participated in this year's Summer Stretch on Wednesday and Thursday!
Over the course of two full days, our youth gathered from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for a wonderful blend of service, fellowship, and fun.
On Wednesday morning, the group helped beautify our church grounds by weeding and caring for the flower and landscaped gardens with the guidance of Katie Edwards. In the afternoon, they enjoyed lunch together before heading to Split Rocks for bowling, including a memorable game of Wacky Bowling!
On Thursday, the youth spent the morning at The Meadows at Fairview Memory Care, visiting with residents, playing games, and sharing smiles. After lunch, they cooled off with an afternoon of water slides and fun at Wild Mountain.
We are grateful for these young people and the many ways they serve Christ, care for others, and strengthen the life of our congregation.
| | JOIN THE NEW SPLC FANTASY FOOTBALL LEAGUE! | | |
As part of the Church Council's renewed Strategic Ministry and Mission Goals to expand fellowship and congregational life, we're excited to launch the inaugural season of the St. Paul Lutheran Church Fantasy Football League!
Whether you're a seasoned fantasy football manager or completely new to the game, this is a fun opportunity to connect with others in our church family through a little friendly competition. Manage your own team or team up with a partner to co-manage a roster. We need a minimum of 8 teams to get the league started and can accommodate up to 20 teams.
The league will be hosted through ESPN Fantasy, which can be accessed using a smartphone or tablet app or through a web browser. You'll draft your team before the season begins and then manage your lineup throughout the NFL season.
The sign-up deadline is Sunday, August 23, so we have time to finalize league rules and schedule the draft before the NFL season kicks off.
To sign up, contact Chris Timmons at christimmons@sharingchristslove.org or add your name to the sign-up sheet on the bulletin board in the Narthex.
Come join the fun, meet new people, and enjoy a season of fellowship, football, and friendly competition!
| | |
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!
| | |
One More Harmony in the Park Evening!
Join members and friends of St. Paul Lutheran Church for one more fun summer evening at Harmony in the Park in Lindström this Wednesday, August 5, featuring a Buddy Holly and classic rock tribute band.
This is a no-cost, casual gathering for anyone who would like to meet up, enjoy great music, and sit together as a group. The concert will be held at the Lions Park Band Shell, next to City Hall, at 13292 Sylvan Avenue. Food vendors begin serving at 6:00 p.m., and the music starts at 6:30 p.m.
Please bring a lawn chair for outdoor seating and look for the St. Paul Lutheran Church group.
In case of inclement weather, the event will move indoors to the Community Center next door. No sign-up is necessary. Just come, invite a friend, and enjoy an evening of music, fellowship, and summer fun!
| | |
Get Ready for Our 3rd Annual Rally Sunday Family, Fun & Faith 5K! Join us on Rally Sunday, September 13, for a morning of faith, fellowship, and fun at our 3rd Annual Rally Sunday
Family, Fun & Faith 5K! Everyone is welcome! Whether you choose to walk, run, bike,
rollerblade, or scoot, come be part of this fun community event for all ages and abilities. The cost is $25 per person or $75 per family (includes a t-shirt if signed up by Sept. 1). Invite your family, friends, and neighbors, and help us celebrate the joy of being together.
We can’t wait to see you there!
Register today on the table in the narthex or on our website!
| | |
Anemia
Anemia is a common blood problem. It happens when your body does not have enough healthy red blood cells or enough hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the part of red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. When you do not get enough oxygen, you may feel tired, weak, dizzy, or short of breath.
Common Signs and Symptoms
Some people with mild anemia do not notice symptoms at first. Others may feel very tired even after resting. You may also have headaches, trouble focusing, cold hands or feet, pale skin, a fast heartbeat, or shortness of breath during normal activities. These symptoms can also happen with other health problems, so it is important to talk with a health care provider.
What Causes Anemia?
There are many kinds of anemia. The most common kind is iron-deficiency anemia. Your body needs iron to make hemoglobin. Low iron can happen if you do not get enough iron in food, lose blood, or have trouble absorbing iron. Blood loss may come from heavy menstrual periods, stomach ulcers, colon polyps, or other bleeding inside the body. Other causes include low vitamin B12 or folate, kidney disease, long-term inflammation, certain medicines, inherited blood disorders, or problems in the bone marrow. Anemia can be short term or long term. It can be mild, moderate, or severe.
How Anemia Is Found
A health care provider can check for anemia with a simple blood test called a complete blood count, or CBC. This test can show if your red blood cell or hemoglobin level is low. Your provider may order more tests to find the cause. Finding the cause matters because treatment depends on why the anemia is happening.
Treatment and Healthy Steps
Treatment may include iron pills, vitamin B12, folate, changes in diet, or medicine to help your body make more red blood cells. Some people need treatment for bleeding or another medical condition. Do not start iron pills unless your provider tells you to. Too much iron can be harmful. Eating a balanced diet can help prevent some types of anemia. Foods with iron include lean meat, poultry, fish, beans, lentils, spinach, iron-fortified cereal, and tofu. Foods with vitamin C, such as oranges, strawberries, tomatoes, and peppers, can help your body absorb iron from plant foods.
When to Get Medical Help
Make an appointment if you feel tired, weak, dizzy, or short of breath and do not know why. Get urgent help if you have chest pain, fainting, trouble breathing, or signs of heavy bleeding, such as black stools or vomiting blood. Anemia is often treatable, but it can also be a sign of a serious problem. The sooner you know the cause, the sooner you can get the right care.
We are blessed to have knowledgeable, caring nurses in our congregation. If you have any questions for Joanna or Jamie, please call the church office.
| | |
2026 Weekly
General Fund Offering Received
$125,251.64
| | |
2026 Weekly
General Fund Offering
Budgeted
$123,742.33
| | |
Over / (Under) Budgeted General Fund Offering
$1,509.30
| | |
2026
Total Revenue Received
$177,183.43
| | |
2026
Total Revenue Budgeted
$151,450.74
| | |
Over / (Under) Budgeted Total Revenue Budgeted
$25,732.69
| | |
Monthly Totals (as of 06/30/2026)
Total Expenses: $145,491
Net Revenue: $13,627
Edward Jones Balance: $67,100
The Total Revenue received includes ALL revenue received by SPLC.
General Fund Revenue is the portion of Total Revenue Received through
undesignated offerings from members and guests.
Please contact our Church Council Treasurer, Andy Buccanero or
our Bookkeeper, Chris Timmons, with any questions.
| | 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, August 2
Outdoor Worship, 9:00 a.m.
Monday, August 3
Boy Scouts, 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, August 4
Adult Bible Study, 1:00 p.m.
Cub Scouts, 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, August 9
Indoor Worship, 9:00 a.m.
LOOKING AHEAD
Blessing of the Animals, Outdoor Worship, August 30
3rd Annual St. Paul Lutheran 5K, Rally Sunday, September 13
| | |
St. Paul Lutheran Church
651-462-5212
| | | | |
