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A Message from Pastor Dale
And now, we enter Holy Week: "Sabbath Is…"
As we turn the corner into Holy Week, we come to the heart of our faith and the center of our “Sabbath Is…” journey.
Throughout Lent, we have reflected on Sabbath as quiet, questions, living water, lament, and praise. In Holy Week, we experience all of these at once. We slow down. We listen. We grieve. We wonder. We give thanks. And we rest, not in certainty, but in the presence of Christ who walks with us every step of the way.
Holy Week begins this Sunday with Palm/Passion Sunday, where we will gather with palms in hand, joining the ancient procession of “Hosanna!” Our confirmation and high school youth will then lead us in the reading of the Passion narrative, helping us enter the full story, from celebration to the cross.
On Maundy Thursday, we remember Jesus’ command to love and serve one another. We will celebrate First Communion with three of our young people and conclude the service with the solemn stripping of the altar, as we prepare to walk with Christ into the night.
On Good Friday, we gather again for a service of reflection, hearing the Seven Last Words of Jesus and marking each with the extinguishing of candles, as the light slowly fades and we sit with the weight of the cross.
Then, on Easter Sunday, the story turns. Our children will dig up the “alleluias” buried on Ash Wednesday, and together we will sing and shout the good news of resurrection: Christ is risen! Sabbath becomes new life, resurrection, and joy restored.
Holy Week is not something to rush through or skip over. It is a sacred invitation to dwell in the fullness of the story. I invite you to come, to walk this week together, and to discover again how Sabbath meets us in every moment, from palms to cross to empty tomb.
See you in church! (and bring a friend!)
Pastor Dale
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A special Sunday is on the horizon at St. Paul Lutheran and you are invited!
On Sunday, April 26, 2026, we will gather for a once-in-a-generation Jubilee Sunday, a day filled with gratitude, celebration, and hope for the future.
This day will mark three significant milestones in the life of our congregation:
- 25 years since our church remodel and renovation, dedicated on April 29, 2001
- The early payoff of our mortgage in 2025
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The completion of our five-year Synod Redevelopment journey
It is all one combined story of faithfulness, shaped by vision, generosity, perseverance, and trust in God’s provision.
So, as we continue to prepare for this celebration, we would love your help.
If you were part of the Church Council, Building Committee, or Celebration Committee during that time 25 years ago, we would especially love to connect with you. Your leadership and participation helped make that moment possible, and it would be meaningful to include you in some way in this upcoming celebration. Please reach out to Pastor Dale or Pastor Carrie if you would be interested.
We are also beginning to gather photos from that season, from the remodeling process, groundbreaking, dedication, and life in the building in those early years. If you have pictures you would be willing to share, we would love to include them as part of a visual display for Jubilee Sunday.
In the weeks ahead, we will continue to share more about this special day. For now, you are invited to mark your calendars, begin spreading the word, and take a moment to reflect on the ways God has been faithful to St. Paul Lutheran through the years.
You can learn more about Jubilee Sunday and all that we will be celebrating by visiting our website.
There is so much to celebrate, and we would love for you to be part of it.
| | Our office administrator Melissa will be out of the office next week, March 31-April 3 for her daughter Emily's wedding. If you need help with anything office related that can't wait until Melissa's return, please contact Pastor Dale or Pastor Carrie directly. | | Donations for Easter Hop: We are looking for donations for the Easter Hop for our little ones on April 4. We also need volunteers to fill the eggs before the day of the event. We need bags of pre wrapped candy (no peanuts) and empty plastic Easter eggs (maybe you have some sitting around you would like to get rid of). Drop donations off by Wednesday, April 1. If you have any question, contact Pastor Carrie. | | LENT 2026 - SABBATH IS... | | |
“The whole earth is at rest, and is quiet: they break forth into singing.” — Isaiah 14:7
Lent is a season of reflection and renewal as the days lengthen and we prepare for Easter. This year’s theme, “Sabbath Is …,” invites us to explore what it means to stop, rest, and make space for what matters most. Drawing on Scripture and the poetry of Wendell Berry, we will reflect on these weekly themes: Sabbath Is … Prayer, Quiet, Questions, Living Water, Healing, Lament, Praise, Service, and Joy.
The Remaining Schedule and Themes
Soup Suppers - 5:30 p.m.
Holden Evening Vespers - 6:30 p.m.
Week Six, Palm Sunday, March 29—Sabbath Is ... Praise
Maundy Thursday, April 2—Sabbath Is ... Service
Good Friday, April 3—Sabbath Is ...
Easter Sunday, April 5—Sabbath Is ... Joy!
| | ADOPT-A-HIGHWAY - APRIL 8 | | |
Adopt-a-Highway Roadside Clean-Up.
Wednesday, April 8 at 6:15 p.m.
Once again, you and your family are invited help clean up the mile stretch of the road on Wyoming Trail in front of the church.
Sign up sheet is on the table in the narthex.
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Spring is here!
Join us for our Annual Outdoor Spring Cleanup on Monday, April 13, Tuesday, April 14, and Thursday, April 16 from 5:30 p.m. until dusk.
Bring rakes, gloves, wheelbarrows, leaf blowers, and any other tools that might be helpful. Many hands make light work, so come enjoy the fresh air, fellowship, and the joy of preparing our church grounds for this special season.
Help us get our building and grounds looking like new for our 25th Year Jubilee Sunday Anniversary celebration! We appreciate your help!
| | FEED MY STARVING CHILDREN | | |
Pack Food With Us on April 15!
Make plans to join us again for the Annual Lakes Area Mobile Feed My Starving Children food packing event at Hosanna Lutheran Church in Forest Lake on Wednesday, April 15 from 6:30 p.m.—8:30 p.m.
Free will donations to pay for food are welcome.
There is a sign up sheet on the table in the narthex. Contact one of the pastors with any questions. Sign up today!
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West of 55—Join us on April 23, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. for May Day basket making.
Come help us make May Day baskets that will be delivered to our friends at The Meadows at Fairview. A wonderful hands-on service opportunity for all ages!
All are welcome to help spread some springtime joy!
| | ANNUAL BOYSCOUT PANCAKE BREAKFAST | | |
Please make plans to stay for the Annual Boy Scout Pancake Breakfast after worship on Sunday, April 19.
Invite a friend!
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Women’s Retreat at Carole England’s Cabin – Cushing, WI, Saturday, April 11.
Join us for a day of fellowship and renewal at Carole and Steve England’s cabin in Cushing, Wisconsin. We will meet at church at 9:30 a.m. and return by 4:00 p.m. Our theme for the day is “I Am Among the Trees.”
Cost is $10 per person.
Please sign up on the sheet located on the table in the narthex.
| | ANNUAL TANZANIA SUNDAY CELEBRATION | | |
Please plan to join us on Sunday, April 19 for our Annual Tanzania Sunday Celebration.
This year is especially meaningful as we celebrate 25 years of partnership with our companion parishes, Mtera (2001) and Migoli (2016), through Bega Kwa Bega and the Saint Paul Area Synod.
We are especially honored that Pastor Joyce Ngandango, Director of Huruma Orphanage in Iringa, Tanzania, and currently studying at Luther Seminary, will be with us in person that morning.
In addition, Pastors Agripa Mgaya (Migoli) and Neberth Lubawa (Mtera) will share recorded video greetings as we celebrate the relationships that connect us across continents in Christ.
Read more about our 25 year history with Bega Kwa Bega!
We hope you will join us for this joyful and milestone celebration!
| | JUBILEE SUNDAY! SAVE THE DATE! | |
Save the Date: Jubilee Sunday – April 26, 2026
25 Years of Faithfulness!
In 2001, St. Paul Lutheran stepped out in faith through the “Expanding Our Horizons” campaign, leading to the renovation and dedication of our church building.
For 25 years, this space has been filled with: Baptisms. Worship. Laughter. Tears. Mission. Community.
These walls have held the story of a people walking together in faith.
On April 26, we will celebrate this milestone, and give thanks for all who made it possible.
Former pastor Jeff Beebe will be with us to share memories from that important time, along with a special greeting from former pastor Jim Mericle.
Come celebrate the story that continues to unfold.
Find out more about his exciting day in the life of our congregation: Click Here!
Save the date and plan to celebrate with us!
| | WAPO SUMMER BIBLE CAMP REGISTRATION | | |
Summer Bible Camp at Lake Wapogasset (Amery, WI)
Our children and youth are invited to experience faith, fun, and friendship at Lake Wapogasset Lutheran Bible Camp this summer. The theme is "Wonder: With God All Things Are Possible."
Options include Wapo Seeds (Grades 1–3) for a short first camp experience, Wapo Youth Camp (Grades 4–9) for a classic week of worship, Bible study, and outdoor fun, and Roots @ Ox Lake (High School) focused on community, leadership, and adventure.
Multiple sessions are offered June–August.
Talk to Pastor Carrie about the best dates for your family, pricing, and registration.
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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, 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, April 25 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!
| | 2026 VBS DONATION REQUEST | | |
VBS this year is June 29 - July 2!
This year’s VBS theme is Rainforest Falls – Exploring the Nature of God.
The VBS team is seeking decorating donations to get our church ready for our faith filled week.
Please click here for our requested donation list.
Watch our VBS website page for more detailed information!
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DVT Awareness Month
Deep Vein Thrombosis, also known as DVT, is a condition that affects many people every year. DVT happens when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the legs. This can be dangerous because the clot can break loose and travel to the lungs, causing a blockage called a pulmonary embolism. Knowing about DVT can help you protect yourself and your loved ones. Please click here for more information about DVT.
We are blessed to have knowledgeable, caring nurses in our congregation. If you have a question for Joanna or Jaime, please call the main office at 651-462-5212.
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2026 Weekly
General Fund Offering Received
$45,694.79
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2026 Weekly
General Fund Offering
Budgeted
$48,613.06
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Over / (Under) Budgeted General Fund Offering
$(2,918.27)
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2026
Total Revenue Received
$59,612.12
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2026
Total Revenue Budgeted
$59,498.51
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Over / (Under) Budgeted Total Revenue Budgeted
$113.61
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Monthly Totals (as of 02/28/2026)
Total Expenses: $46,382
Net Revenue: -$5,221
Edward Jones Balance: $61,563
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, March 29—Palm Sunday
Worship, 9:00 a.m.
First Communion Instruction, 10:30 a.m.
Vocal Choir Rehearsal, 6:00 p.m.
Bell Choir Rehearsal, 7:00 p.m.
Monday, March 30
Boy Scouts, 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, March 31
Adult Bible Study, 1:00 p.m.
Cub Scouts, 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, April 2
First Communion
Maundy Thursday Worship, 6:30 p.m.
Friday, April 3
Good Friday Worship, 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 4
Easter Hop, 10:00 a.m.
Sunday, April 5—Easter Sunday
Worship, 9:00 a.m.
LOOKING AHEAD
Sunday, April 19, Tanzania Sunday
Sunday, April 19, Boy Scout Pancake Breakfast
Sunday, April 26, Jubilee Sunday
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St. Paul Lutheran Church
651-462-5212
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