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A Message From Pastor Carrie
Last Sunday, as part of the children’s offering, a sealed envelope containing $55 with a note that read “Proceeds from Cookie and Lemonade Sale” (see photo below) was given. Though we don't know who made this generous donation, it’s clear that this gift—earned from a cookie and lemonade stand—is a heartfelt expression of gratitude for both God and our St. Paul Lutheran community from one of our young people.
This donation, like every other gift—whether placed in the offering plate, given online, or contributed anonymously—reflects the spirit of generosity and commitment to our mission of “Sharing Christ’s Love With Joy.” It underscores the value of both small and large acts of service and contribution within our community.
Whether sharing our talents or financial resources, we are called to give from a place of gratitude. We are grateful for the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives, for the vibrant community we share, and for the opportunity to extend Christ’s love beyond our walls.
In two weeks, St. Paul Lutheran will vote to approve a plan for funding a new church sign. This is important and needs to be done as "curb appeal" of our church also contributes to our living out our mission. As Pastor Dale explained last week, we’re also coming out of of our typical summer slump in giving and need to get caught back up. As pastors, part of our role is to encourage good stewardship and highlight the importance of supporting our church’s mission in the midst of that. We are actively engaged in meaningful initiatives, including the partnership with the preschool, the Mobile Food Truck ministry, and our long-standing and continued relationships with the Migoli and Mtera parishes in Tanzania. God continues to provide for us in so many ways.
The “Cookie and Lemonade Stand” gift is a powerful and creative reminder of how every contribution, no matter the size, has a significant impact. As you consider an additional gift to help fund our new sign (maybe your own version of a cookie and lemonade stand), and work to get caught up in your general fund giving, please also reflect on other ways how you can continue to support and enrich our community of faith together. It's always amazing to see how God works through you and our entire congregation. Thank you!
See you in church! (and bring a friend!)
Pastor Carrie
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The August 2024 Church Council minutes are available here, on our website and in the Council book in the library. | |
Blessing of the Backpacks! | |
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📚🎒 "𝐁𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬! 🎒📚
This Sunday, September 8, join us for a special service at 9:00 a.m. as we celebrate the start of a new year with our "𝘽𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘽𝙖𝙘𝙠𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙠𝙨!" Whether you’re carrying a backpack, purse, briefcase, tote, or anything in between, bring it along for a special blessing from Pastors Carrie and Dale.
Get ready to kick off the year with the assurance that "𝙂𝙤𝙙'𝙨 𝙂𝙤𝙩 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝘽𝙖𝙘𝙠!" 🙏✨ All ages are welcome to participate, so bring your friends and family, too. We can't wait to see you there!
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First Annual Fun Family 5K! | |
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🚨 Don’t Miss Out! 🚨
Our “Bridging the Gap” Family 5K partnership with our Lake Area Discovery Center is just around the corner on September 15 at 10:30 a.m. as part of Rally Sunday! 🌟
We’re excited to announce that 55 amazing people are already signed up, and we’d love to see even more join in the fun! Whether you’re into walking, running, biking, rollerblading, or scooting, this event is for everyone! 🏃♀️🚴♂️
This is also a wonderful opportunity to get to know our Discovery Center and to help support the funding of our new church sign while enjoying a day of healthy activity and community bonding. Bring your family, friends, and neighbors for a great time!
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"SHAPED: By God's Promises" | | |
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We’re thrilled to announce our 2024 learning series at The Table:
"SHAPED: By God's Promises"!
Join us as we dive into the promises God makes throughout Scripture and explore how they shape our lives and spiritual journeys.
🗓️ Starting Wednesday, September 18 🍽️ The Table: Our midweek intergenerational experience featuring a meal, worship, music, and study for all ages!
Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding and connect with our community. See you there!
Ages 3 through 12th grade need to register.
Find out more and Register.
I'm ready to Register!
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ST. PAUL SENIORS - WEST OF 55 | | |
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🎉 Join us on September 18 from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. for a fun-filled potluck lunch and Jeopardy game! 🎉
We’ll also be celebrating Pastor Dale’s 55th birthday! 🎂🎈
Bring a dish to share and come enjoy good food and great company. We hope to see you there!
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H.E.A.L @ S.P.L.C. - A GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP
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We have discovered an ongoing need for a grief support group at St. Paul Lutheran Church and are providing this new opportunity.
It's called H.E.A.L.@S.P.L.C.
H.E.A.L. is an acronym that stands for Hope and Encouragement After Loss. S.P.L.C. of course, stands for St. Paul Lutheran Church.
This group is for those who are struggling with some form of loss in their lives. The group will provide compassion, support, and unconditional acceptance for one another as each experiences their own personal journey towards healing.
Find out more.
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CONGREGATIONAL MEETING - SEPTEMBER 22 | |
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Join us immediately after worship on Sunday, September 22, for a congregational meeting where we will vote on the design and funding plan for our new church sign. The total cost is $23,000, with our partner, LADC, already covering half of this amount!
We have invited local businesses and individual donors to contribute advance funds to help cover our share, so that a detailed funding plan for the remaining amount can be presented during the meeting. Building Funds are also available as/if needed.
If you have any questions, please reach out to a Pastor or a Council Member. We extend our thanks to the Church Council for their dedication and hard work on this project.
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Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is a type of eye disease that causes vision loss and blindness in the center of your field of vision. Typically the peripheral vision stays intact, so you can still see things to the sides when looking straight ahead. The macula is part of the retina, which is the tissue at the back of the eye. It controls the sharpness of your vision, allowing you to accurately see shapes and details. Symptoms may include seeing wavy lines when they should appear straight, blurred and/or distorted vision, inability to see in dim light, or seeing spots. Over time, it can affect your ability to read, drive, and recognize faces.
There are two types of age related macular degeneration, dry and wet. Dry macular degeneration is the most common and occurs when the macula thins due to natural wear and tear as you age. Wet macular degeneration occurs when blood vessels grow and leak fluid into the macula. This can be due to a buildup of drusen, or lumps of lipids or fats under the macula. This creates bleeding and scarring. This type is more severe.
The top risk factors for macular degeneration include:
- Being 55 years or older
- Being white
- Smoking cigarettes
- A family history of macular degeneration
- Being obese
Vision loss due to dry macular degeneration is permanent, while wet macular degeneration can be slowed and sometimes reversed with medications and laser therapy. To prevent macular degeneration and other eye diseases, quit smoking if you smoke, have regular eye exams, get regular physical activity, eat a balanced diet, and control your blood pressure.
It can be unsafe to drive with macular degeneration, so use public transportation or the assistance of family or friends. Macular degeneration can lead to depression and social isolation. Some people with severe vision loss can suffer from visual hallucinations. There are providers such as low vision rehabilitation specialists and occupational therapists that can help find ways to adapt to the changing vision. It can also be helpful to process the changes by talking to a counselor or joining a support group.
If you have any questions for Joanna or Jaime, please 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
2️⃣ Boost general fund offerings
3️⃣ Match our generous anonymous gift of $30K
4️⃣ Achieve debt freedom with mortgage payoff
Every three months, we'll have a "Bridge the Gap Sunday" to focus on overcoming specific challenges churches in redevelopment face.
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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Our little walker has taken another step! Every $2000 received he/she gets to take another step over the bridge! | |
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2024 Weekly
General Fund Offering Received
$131,721.28
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2024 Weekly
General Fund Offering
Budgeted
$159,178.88
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Over / (Under) Budgeted General Fund Offering
$(27,457.60)
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2024
Total Revenue Received
$182,653.06
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2024
Total Revenue Budgeted
$200,428.97
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Over / (Under) Budgeted Total Revenue Budgeted
$(17,775.91)
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Monthly Totals (as of 07/31/2024)
Total Expenses (before mortgage): $144,219
Total Expenses (after mortgage): $181,515
Net Revenue (after mortgage payment):-$18,506
Mortgage Balance: $164,839
Edward Jones Balance: $46,866
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 Chris Timmons, with any questions.
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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! | | |
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Sunday, September 8
Worship, 9:00 a.m. w/ Blessing of the Backpacks
Monday, September 9
Boy Scouts, 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, September 10
Cub Scouts, 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, September 15
Rally Day
Worship, 9:00 a.m. w/ Sacrament of Holy Baptism
Family 5K, 10:30 a.m.
Looking Ahead
The Table Resumes—September 18
Congregational Meeting (Church Sign) - September 22
Wild Faith for Littles—September 28
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St. Paul Lutheran Church
651-462-5212
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