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A Message from Pastor Dale
As the season of caps and gowns approaches, I’m reminded of a book many of us have given, or possibly received, at graduation: Oh, the Places You'll Go! by Dr. Seuss.
Since its publication in 1990, this book has sold millions of copies and has become a popular graduation tradition. Each spring, it rises again on bestseller lists, is tucked into gift bags and handed to graduates as a reminder of both the adventure and uncertainty that lie ahead. With its Dr. Seussy poetic encouragement, “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.”, it continues to speak not just to children, but to all people stepping into new chapters of life.
This year, that message feels especially close to home for Pastor Carrie and me, as we are in Marquette, Michigan this weekend to celebrate the college graduation of our youngest son, Tobie, from Northern Michigan University. We are filled with pride and joy as we mark this milestone with him and our family.
While we are away this Sunday, we are grateful that Pastor Marla Amborn will be with you once again to lead worship and share God’s Word. Many of you already know and appreciate her presence, and we give thanks for her willingness to serve in our absence.
Graduation season is a time of celebration not only for our family, but for many in our congregation and community. We hold in our prayers all graduates, those completing high school, college, and beyond. We rejoice with them and their families, as well.
This year, we especially celebrate three high school graduates from our congregation: Connor Fraley, Nova Kroschel, and Tucker Pederson. We will honor and celebrate them during worship on Sunday, May 31. On that day, our Humble Bees Quilting and Sewing group will present each graduate with a gift, including a financial contribution made possible through our Annual Spring Quilt Raffle. The raffle drawing will take place following worship that Sunday, and the proceeds will be divided equally among our three graduates to support them as they begin their college journeys.
We also invite any other graduates, whether from high school, college, or post-graduate programs, who are connected to our church family to join us for worship this day to be celebrated and prayed for. As a church, we are blessed to walk alongside one another through these moments, offering encouragement, prayer, and celebration.
Please join us in keeping all graduates in your prayers, mark your calendars, and plan to celebrate with us on May 31 as we give thanks for where God has led them, and where God will lead them next.
See you in church! (and bring a friend!)
Pastor Dale
| | JUBILEE UPDATE AND APPRECIATION | |
We give thanks for all who joined us for our Jubilee Sunday Celebration.
It was a wonderful morning of worship, celebration, and fellowship, filled with gratitude and joy.
It was especially meaningful to welcome Pastor Jeff and Pastor Jim back among us as they shared memories and reconnected with friends from years past. We are also grateful for Pastor Justin, whose sermon encouraged, affirmed, and challenged us in meaningful ways as he helped guide us through, and now to the conclusion of, our redevelopment journey. One of the highlights of the day was the burning of the mortgage, with people of all ages gathered together, surrounded by laughter, joy, and a deep sense of God’s faithfulness.
Thank you for being part of such a special day in the life of St. Paul Lutheran! We love you all!
Click here to view a photo slideshow on our church website from this memorable celebration.
| | Teacher Appreciation Week - May 4-8 | | |
Teacher Appreciation Week will be observed Monday, May 4 through Friday, May 8, with National Teacher Day celebrated on Tuesday, May 5.
This special week, held each year during the first full week of May, is an opportunity to recognize the dedication, care, and lasting impact that teachers have on our children and our community.
At St. Paul Lutheran, we are especially grateful for our partnership with Lake Area Discovery Center and for the wonderful teachers who serve in our Discovery Center each day. It's a joy to watch how their commitment, patience, and love help shape young lives in meaningful and lasting ways.
We invite you to show your appreciation by dropping off cards, notes of encouragement, or small expressions of gratitude for our Discovery Center teachers anytime during the week. A simple gesture can go a long way in reminding them how valued they are. Their names are Hannah, Morgan, Steffie, Claire, Patricia, and Cheri.
Thank you for helping us celebrate and honor these important members of our ministry.
| | Tanzania Mission Update: Migoli Parish & Preaching Points | | |
We give thanks to God for the continued partnership we share with our brothers and sisters in Tanzania, especially in Migoli and the surrounding preaching points of Changarawe, Izazi, and Nyamahatu.
Pastor Agripa Mgaya of Migoli, recently shared his gratitude for your generosity and ongoing support. Because of your gifts, including a recent $5,000 contribution from our Bega Kwa Bega account, important progress is being made. Construction is moving forward on a new kindergarten building and bathrooms in Changarawe, and work continues on the pastor’s house in Migoli. Pastor Agripa shared that, once completed, this home will be a great blessing for the church and for the servants who will live and minister there.
We also celebrate progress in Izazi, where the foundation for a new church building has now been completed. At present, work is paused as the community gathers resources to begin building the walls, with hopes of continuing in 2027.
In Nyamahatu, the congregation continues to gather faithfully for worship under a tree as they look ahead with hope toward building a church home of their own.
Pastor Agripa sends his prayers and blessings, giving thanks for your love and partnership in the Gospel. He writes with gratitude for your care and asks God to bless you and your families, that you may continue to grow spiritually and physically.
Be sure to watch the video below to see the latest progress on the kindergarten and bathroom construction.
We remain deeply grateful for the many ways you continue to support this long-standing and life-giving mission.
| | MOTHER'S DAY SPRING FESTIVAL AND PLANT SALE | | |
Annual Mother’s Day Spring Festival and Plant Sale!
Spring is in the air, and so is the excitement for our Annual Mother's Day Spring Festival and Plant Sale!
Join us on Saturday, May 9, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for a joyful celebration of the season.
All proceeds from the sale will go towards our Children's, Youth and Family ministries.
We’re once again partnering with our Discovery Center to offer a beautiful selection of plants, just in time to find the perfect gift for Mother's Day. This event is perfect for the whole family, with games, activities, and a bounce house for the kids to enjoy.
Come for the plants, stay for the fun! We look forward to seeing you there!
We need volunteers for this event, the sign up sheet is on the table in the narthex, or please talk to Pastor Carrie.
| | COMMUNION BREAD BAKERS NEEDED | | We are looking for volunteers to help bake communion bread for Sunday mornings. This is a simple and meaningful way to serve in worship. A sign-up sheet is available on the table in the narthex. Thank you for considering this opportunity! Contact a pastor or Brandy Timmons if you have questions. | | HELP US CELEBRATE A SPECIAL MILESTONE | | Dwight Gardstrom will turn 90 on Sunday, May 17, and we invite you to join us in honoring him that day. Cake will be served following worship, and all are encouraged to celebrate Dwight with your presence and, if you wish, cards or gifts. Let’s come together to give thanks for Dwight! | | |
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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ANNUAL HUMBLE BEES SPRING QUILT RAFFLE
Our Humble Bees sewing and quilting group is pleased to sponsor again, this year’s Annual Spring Quilt Raffle. Three beautiful, handcrafted quilts will be raffled off this spring.
Tickets are available for $5 each or three for $10.
The drawing will be held immediately following worship on Sunday, May 31, and you do not need to be present to win.
All proceeds from the raffle will be divided equally into college scholarship funds for our three graduating high school seniors, Tucker Pederson, Connor Fraley, and Nova Kroschel, who we will honor that same day. Thank you for supporting our graduates and the dedicated work of our Humble Bees.
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We are hosting a blood drive on Thursday, May 14 from 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Please call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter
St. Paul Lutheran to schedule an appointment.
We need volunteers for this event!
The sign up sheet is on the table in the narthex. Thank you!
| | WEST OF 55 RIVER BOAT CRUISE | | |
Say hello to summer with West of 55!
Join us Sunday, June 7 for a two-hour river cruise in Stillwater, departing at 4:30 p.m. (please arrive by 4:00; the boat will not wait).
Hosted by St. Paul Lutheran Seniors and open to all ages, this fun outing includes a delicious buffet dinner.
Cost is $50.25 for ages 13+, $37.25 for ages 4–12, and free for children 3 and under. Scholarships are available, please speak with Pastor Dale, Pastor Carrie, or Carole England.
Sign up on the table and submit payment to Carole or the church office by May 31.
The cruise is accessible, rain or shine, with parking available near the boarding area.
Casual dress; no dogs allowed.
| | 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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Kathie Marabella and Pastor Carrie volunteer at Shobi's Table, a pay-as-you-can food truck that is a development of the St. Paul Synod.
Usually it is the last Tuesday of the month from 9 to Noon. Want to join us? This month it is April 28 from 9-Noon. You also get some tasty lunch. Email Pastor Carrie to join in.
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May is Stroke Awareness Month
Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a stroke.
It could happen on your street, at your workplace, or in a store where you shop — anywhere. Knowing how to recognize the warning signs and acting quickly can save a life and help prevent long‑term disability.
Click here to read about stroke, and how to prevent one.
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.
| | 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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2026 Weekly
General Fund Offering Received
$72,084.26
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2026 Weekly
General Fund Offering
Budgeted
$70,709.90
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Over / (Under) Budgeted General Fund Offering
$1,374.36
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2026
Total Revenue Received
$112,326.45
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2026
Total Revenue Budgeted
$86,543.28
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Over / (Under) Budgeted Total Revenue Budgeted
$25,783.17
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Monthly Totals (as of 03/31/2026)
Total Expenses: $69,066
Net Revenue: -$5,402
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, May 3
Worship, 9:00 a.m.
Monday, May 4
Boy Scouts, 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, May 5
Adult Bible Study, 1:00 p.m.
Cub Scouts, 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 9
Annual Mother’s Day Spring Festival and Plant Sale, 9:00 a.m.
Confirmation Sunday, May 10
Worship, 9:00 a.m.
LOOKING AHEAD
Blood Drive, May 14
Graduate Recognition Sunday, May 31
Quilt Raffle Drawing, May 31
First Outdoor Worship, June 7
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St. Paul Lutheran Church
651-462-5212
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