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A Message from Our Pastors
We’re excited to share with you that our Church Property Vision Team, appointed by the Church Council, has begun an initial conversation with Ecumen, a faith-based (E.L.C.A. affiliate) nonprofit organization that develops and manages a variety of senior living communities and services.
Earlier this month, our team met with Ecumen’s leadership to begin exploring possible partnerships related to the unused land on our church property. The meeting was full of thoughtful questions, insights, and a spirit of mutual interest. While no decisions have been made and we are still very much in the exploratory phase, we believe this is a hopeful first step in a process that could open up new possibilities for ministry, community impact, and faithful stewardship of our land.
Ecumen was represented by Shelley Kendrick (President/CEO) and Lia Hamilton (Director of New Business Development). Our Church Property Vision Team was represented by Andy Bucannero, Tyler Kroschel, Karen Rozeske, Tom Miller, Neil Gatzow, Christina Fashner, Deb Cowing, and us, Pastor Dale and Pastor Carrie. Team members, Dave Haselbauer and Wendy Hazzard were unable to attend.
To read a summary of our initial meeting, click here. We will continue to keep the congregation informed as these conversations progress, and if or when needed, per our congregation's constitution, a congregational meeting and vote would be required for any final decision brought by the Church Council. We are far from that, however. In the meantime, we ask for your prayers—prayers for wisdom, discernment, and most of all, that God’s will would be done in and through this process. We have a gifted Team in place on your behalf. If you’d like to learn more or have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to either of us, any member of the Church Property Vision Team, or a Church Council Member. We welcome your thoughts and prayers as we continue this exciting journey together.
In other news, our Church Council held its annual planning retreat this past Sunday, May 4 at our home. We spent the afternoon reflecting on where God has led us and looking ahead to where the Spirit may be calling us next as we move closer to completing our time of redevelopment. We reviewed and updated our Strategic Ministry Goals, Hopes, and Dreams for the year—and we’re excited about what came out of that conversation!
You can read our updated goals here.
We remain grateful for the dedicated and faithful leaders who serve on our Church Property Vision Team, our Church Council, and for each of you who make up this incredible church family.
See you in church! (and bring a friend!)
Pastors Carrie and Dale
| | PASTORS AWAY FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION | | Pastor Carrie and Pastor Dale will be away next week attending the Festival of Homiletics in Atlanta for continuing education. They leave Sunday afternoon and will return on Thursday in time for the St. Paul Area Synod Assembly, which begins Friday, May 16. During their time away, Pastor Sarah Kerkes from Zion Lutheran Church in Chisago City will be available for any urgent pastoral care needs. She can be reached directly at 612-354-9180, or you may contact Melissa in the Church Office for assistance. Please keep Pastor Carrie and Pastor Dale in your prayers as they travel and learn. | | |
Sunday, May 18 after worship! Pre-K and younger!
- Engage Senses!
- Connect Through Play!
- Embrace Mystery!
For families with young kids and the adults who love them!
"Wild Faith," is our monthly gathering designed for parents of Littles (Pre-K and younger). This special time helps our little ones connect with God through nature and build meaningful spiritual practices together.
Specifically, these gatherings will have the following goals:
- To gather the families of young children in community
- To nurture the spirituality of small children by connection to God to nature and their connections with the natural world
- To send families home with spiritual prayer practices that nurture their families spirituality and connection to God in nature
| | CHURCH CLEANING VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - SUMMER | | We are looking for volunteers to help with church cleaning during the months of June, July, and August. Our rotation system continues to work well, with each volunteer or household taking just one week per month. If you’re willing to help, whether for the first time or as a continuing volunteer, please contact Pastor Carrie. She can also answer any questions you may have. Thank you for helping keep our church building clean and welcoming! | | SUMMER ADULT BIBLE STUDY UPDATE | | As we move into the summer season, our weekly Adult Bible Study will shift to a once-a-month gathering, beginning Tuesday, June 10. We’ll meet from 12:00–2:00 p.m. and enjoy a potluck lunch together as part of our time of study and fellowship. Additional summer dates include Tuesdays, July 8 and August 12. Mark your calendars, bring a dish to share, and invite a friend—all are welcome! | | PANCAKE BREAKFAST - SUNDAY, JUNE 1 | | |
Mark your calendars
On Sunday, June 1, some of our youth and their families will be hosting a Pancake Breakfast to support their mission trip to Milwaukee this August.
Come hungry and enjoy a meal while helping our youth grow in faith and service.
Save the date and invite a friend—everyone is welcome!
| | | GRADUATE RECOGNITION SUNDAY - JUNE 8 | | |
Join us on Sunday, June 8, as we celebrate and honor our graduates during worship!
This year, we give thanks for two of our own: Kristina Stoyke, graduating from Forest Lake High School, and Lucas Byl, graduating from Luther Seminary.
If you have a family member or friend who is also graduating this spring, from any level or program, we’d be happy to include their name in our prayers that day. Please contact the church office to let us know.
We are proud of all our graduates and look forward to celebrating their accomplishments together!
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Everyone is invited to our Campfire & S'mores nights, Thursday evenings in June, starting June 12 at 6:00 p.m.!
We’ll gather around the fire for music, fellowship, and fun.
Pastor Dale will play guitar, Pastor Carrie will lead a short devotion for all ages, and of course, we’ll end the evening with s’mores for everyone to enjoy.
Bring a lawn chair and a friend—all are welcome. We’ll meet in front of the amphitheater.
| | 2025 MORTGAGE PAYOFF APPEAL | | |
Let’s Do This—Together! Mortgage Payoff Appeal Update
We’re just four months into our year-long appeal, and already we’ve seen an incredible response—thank you! Paying off our church mortgage early isn’t just about freeing up funds—it’s about stepping boldly into the future God is calling us to.
When the mortgage is gone, we’ll be able to say yes to more ministry, more outreach, and more support for our church family and community. It’s a meaningful and exciting step forward.
Here’s what we’re working toward when we say “yes” together:
Supporting for Our Incredible Staff
We want to provide well-deserved pay increases to the staff who tirelessly lead, care for, and inspire us. This helps us retain and attract the gifted people who live out our mission and vision each day.
Rebuilding Our Savings
Strengthening our reserves helps ensure we can respond to future opportunities and challenges with confidence and stability—supporting our mission now and for years to come.
Investment in Our Facilities and Facility Staff
We're planning to hire a part-time custodian to help maintain our building and grounds. Caring for our church home ensures a safe, welcoming space for worship, fellowship, and outreach.
Outreach Beyond Our Walls
We’re committed to expanding our support of local organizations, addressing urgent community needs, strengthening partnerships in Tanzania, and increasing support for the St. Paul Area Synod.
Where We Stand So Far (as of 5/7/2025):
$69,705 has already been received or pledged
$30,295 remains to reach our goal
That’s an incredible start—and with your continued support, we can absolutely meet and exceed this goal together.
How to Participate
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The Giving Chart below offers a breakdown of gift amounts still needed to reach our goal. It’s a great tool to prayerfully consider how you might join in. Every gift, no matter the size, is a meaningful part of this shared journey.
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Read the full Case for Support to determine your level of giving.
- Click on the "Donate Your Gift Now" button below, to participate today!
Thank you for helping us build a strong, vibrant, and debt-free future—together.
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JUNE 23 - 27
Vacation Bible School at St. Paul Lutheran!
At True North, our kids will discover what it means to trust Jesus in a wild world!
Kids will participate in memorable Bible-learning activities, sing catchy songs, play teamwork-building games, make and devour yummy treats, experience one-of-a-kind Bible Adventures, collect Bible Memory Buddies to remind them of Jesus’ love, and test out sciency-fun experiments they’ll never forget. Plus, they’ll learn to look for evidence of God all around them through God Sightings. Each day will conclude with a Compass Closing, bringing everyone together to live out what they’ve learned. Family members and friends are encouraged to join us daily for this special time!
🌲 Help Support VBS! 🌲
We now have a donation list available on the bulletin board in the narthex.
Each needed donation is listed on a cutout of a pine tree—just take a tree, return it with the listed items, and place donations beneath the bulletin board. Thank you for helping make VBS an amazing experience for our kids!
Click here to register today!
Find Out More!
| | H.E.A.L @ S.P.L.C. - A GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP | | |
H.E.A.L. (Hope and Encouragement After Loss) is an ongoing grief support group at St. Paul Lutheran Church.
This group is for anyone navigating the challenges of loss, offering a safe space for compassion, support, and unconditional acceptance. Whether your loss is recent or in the past, you are welcome to join us as we journey together toward healing.
We look forward to walking this path of hope and encouragement with you.
Find out more.
| | SPRING FESTIVAL AND PLANT SALE! | | |
Spring is in the air, and we are delighted to invite you to our Annual Mother’s Day Spring Festival and Plant Sale. Once again partnering with our Discovery Center Preschool, we’ll be offering a beautiful selection of plants just in time for Mother’s Day. The event will take place TOMORROW, May 10, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
This year’s festival promises fun for the whole family, with games, activities and a bounce house for the kids. All proceeds from the plant sale will support our Youth Mission Trip to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, this summer. Your purchases will help our youth grow in faith and service while making a positive impact in the lives of others.
Come pick out the perfect plants, enjoy a wonderful community gathering and support an inspiring cause—we can’t wait to see you there!
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Thursday, May 15 at SPLC
8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Please call 1-800-733-2767 or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter: St. Paul Lutheran to schedule an appointment.
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Medication List
A medication list is a tool to help individuals keep track of all their medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter (OTC) medications, vitamins, and supplements. It's crucial for patients and healthcare professionals to maintain a medication list to ensure accurate record-keeping and to avoid medication errors or adverse drug interactions.
Why is a medication list important?
It helps patients and healthcare providers have a comprehensive understanding of the medications being taken, including their dosages and frequency.
- Minimizing Medication Errors:
A medication list helps prevent mistakes by ensuring the correct medication is taken at the right time and dosage.
- Preventing Drug Interactions:
It helps identify potential interactions between different medications or supplements, which can be harmful.
In case of an emergency, having a medication list readily available can be crucial for medical professionals to provide the right treatment.
- Communication with Healthcare Providers:
It facilitates clear communication between patients and their healthcare providers, ensuring everyone is on the same page about medications being taken.
What should a medication list include?
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All medications: Prescription drugs, OTC drugs, vitamins, supplements, herbal products, and any other medication or supplement being taken.
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Name of the medication: The generic and brand name, if applicable.
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Dosage: The amount of medication taken at each dose.
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Frequency: How often the medication is taken (e.g., once a day, twice a day, etc.).
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Route of administration: How the medication is taken (e.g., orally, by injection, etc.).
- Reason for taking the medication: What the medication is used for.
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Date of last update: It's important to keep the list up-to-date, so make sure to update the date when adding or removing medications.
How to create and maintain a medication list?
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Gather your medications: Collect all the medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements.
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Organize your medications: Sort the medications by type (prescription, OTC, etc.).
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Fill out the medication list: Enter all the information about each medication, including name, dosage, frequency, and route.
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Update your medication list regularly: As you start or stop taking medications, make sure to update the list.
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Keep a copy on hand: Have a copy of your medication list in your wallet or purse, or on your phone, in case of an emergency.
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Take the list to doctor appointments: This will help your healthcare provider understand your current medications.
We are blessed to have knowledgeable, caring nurses in our congregation. If you have questions for Joanna or Jaime, call the church office at 651-462-5212.
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Our "Bridge the Gap: Two Years of Renewed Mission & Ministry" appeal and learning series is underway!
We've made incredible progress over the past three years and are moving steadily out of redevelopment. But we need your help to complete the journey! Our four key goals are to:
1️⃣ Increase membership by 30% (Our new member group on April 27 will put us over our goal—a full five months ahead of schedule!)
2️⃣ Boost general fund offerings by 5% (We did it!)
3️⃣ Match our generous anonymous gift of $30K (We did it nine months early!)
4️⃣ Achieve debt freedom with mortgage payoff (To pay off by end of 2025. We're 70% there!)
Join us in helping Bridge the Gap at St. Paul Lutheran and be a part of our renewed mission and ministry!
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2025 Weekly
General Fund Offering Received
$74,793.21
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2025 Weekly
General Fund Offering
Budgeted
$88,868.56
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Over / (Under) Budgeted General Fund Offering
$(14,075.35)
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2025
Total Revenue Received
$127,396.50
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2025
Total Revenue Budgeted
$109,233.16
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Over / (Under) Budgeted Total Revenue Budgeted
$18,163.34
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Monthly Totals (as of 03/31/2025)
Total Expenses (before mortgage): $72,652
Total Expenses (after mortgage): $119,490
Net Revenue (after mortgage payment): $4,604
Mortgage Balance: $95,072
Edward Jones Balance: $54,761
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 11
Happy Mother’s Day!
Worship , 9:00 a.m.
Monday, May 12
Humble Bees, 12:30 p.m.
Boy Scouts, 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, May 13
NO Adult Bible Study
Cub Scouts, 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 15
Blood Drive, 8:30 a.m.—2:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 18
Confirmation Sunday
Worship, 9:00 a.m.
Wild Faith for Littles (after worship)
LOOKING AHEAD
June 1—First Outdoor Worship!
June 1 - Pancake Breakfast after worship
June 10 - Adult Bible Study & Potluck, 12:00 p.m.
June 12, 19, 26—Campfire & S’mores, 6:00 p.m.
June 15—Outdoor Worship w/Root Beer Floats!
June 23-27— “True North” Vacation Bible School
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St. Paul Lutheran Church
651-462-5212
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