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Join as one body - in Christ.
Sunday, October 25, 2026 9:30 a.m.
REFORMATION SUNDAY
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It is not the church, or any one church, that is truth; rather,
Jesus Christ is truth.
No church can claim ownership of the word; rather,
Jesus Christ is the Word.
The son is free, that is, free to remain in the house. We gather around that word to receive the truth and experience life in the Father’s house.
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GET YOUR RED ON!
(that is, if you have something red, wear it!!)
Red is the liturgical color of Reformation Sunday because it represents the Holy Spirit. It also reminds us of those who have been martyred for their faith in Jesus. And all of us have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism.
Like the disciples before him, Martin Luther was led by the Holy Spirit to post his list of 95 statements (theses) concerning abuses and corrupted teachings of the Medieval Roman Catholic church of the 1500, on the door of Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. And through his act of obedience the Reformation of the Christian Church began.
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Reflection
On Reformation Sunday we celebrate the power of God's grace to reform and reshape. The great twentieth-century theologian Karl Barth said, "The church must always be reformed"—a phrase often shortened to the Latin semper reformanda. Rather than looking only to the past, consider the work of continuing reformation in the present. Explore the current call to reformation on several levels—in your personal life and relationships, in your church and the church at large, and in your community and society. Where might God's grace reform us again?
| | On Reformation Sunday look for the special red stole pastor Nathan will be wearing, given to him by his father, also a Lutheran pastor (retired). The stole commemorates the 500th anniversary of the Reformation and is embroidered with Luther Rose symbols. Pastor's cross likewise features Luther's Rose on one side and an image of Christian unity and fellowship on the other. | | THIS SUNDAY! Oktoberfest Breakfast! | | | | | |
Oktoberfest Breakfast
October 25 | 10:30
What better way to start your post-worship Reformation Sunday than with an Oktoberfest breakfast! In the spirit of Gemütlichkeit—a special Bavarian word for a cozy feeling of warmth, friendliness, and belonging, we’ll enjoy potato pancakes (and regular pancakes) brats; sausage; apple sauce; apple strudel; fruit salad and coffee cake. LEARN MORE about gemuetlichkeit
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2027 Stewardship Theme Announced
The St. Paul Stewardship Team is happy to announce the theme for 2027 - "Stewardship in all Seasons." The idea of “Stewardship in all Seasons” is rooted in the conviction that stewardship is not merely about funding a budget, but about responding to God’s generosity and grace with faithful and joyful giving. Stewardship is a year-round spiritual practice that invites us to grow in gratitude, trust, and participation in God’s mission. Stewardship is not sequestered to the fall and the development of a budget for congregations. Rather, stewardship is lifelong living into the gifts God has given, discerning where God calls us, and sharing God’s gifts and talents for the upbuilding of God’s mission in our church, in our communities, and in the world.
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In the coming weeks we will be preparing for Commitment Sunday, November 22nd, when we will ask church members to pledge a level of financial support for our coming year’s ministry. We invite you to prayerfully reflect on what gifts you have to share with this community. We encourage you to think about the ways you offer your time and talents for the sake of our congregation and community.
in Christ,
The Stewardship Team
LINK TO PLEDGE CARD
GIVING THROUGH STOCKS & IRAs
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Fall Book Discussion
November 1, 8 and 15 at 10:45
Pastor Nathanwill lead a discussion on the book “Freedom of the Christian” by Martin Luther. In this book Luther examines Christian ethics and how justification by faith alone impacts the liberty of believers. It reminds modern-day readers that it is ultimately grace that transforms God’s people and frees us to love and obey. Books available for pick up on round table in narthex. If you would like to reimburse the church for the book, the cost is $13
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All Saints Sunday
November 1
All Saints Sunday when we celebrate, honor and remember saints who have been embraced by God’s glory. If you would like to provide a memorial gift in memory of a friend or loved one, All dedications will be listed in bulletin and enews as well. Please send me your dedication by simply replying to this email and let me know name(s) you wish to memorialize. Online gift to memorial fund HERE. Thank you!
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Remembrance with Photos
on November 1
All are invited to bring in a photo of a loved one and place it on the "saints" table as a way to honor those that went before us. If you have it in a small frame - great, if not - it's fine! Just lean it up on one of the blocks or simply lay it flat. Maybe a good idea to get your photo out now and put it by the door so you don't forget!
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Fair White Elephant...
You can bring in your items for our White Elephant Sale and put on stage this Sunday! Small appliances, lamps, dishes, mugs, glasses, decorations (holiday and other) and other items that are perhaps worthy of regfting. Please no electronics, books or linens. We will also need many hands to sort and price items. Let Marcia Young know if you can spare some time to help at katiesmeema@yahoo.com or (860)575-9156.
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Fair Gift Baskets...
We'd love to have some more gift basket for the most popular silent auction at the fair. Do one of the baskets in the photo inspire to get busy creating? It can be a fun little project, perhaps invite a friend to partner with you! If you aren't able to get to church to sign up for one, just reply to this email and let us know what you're in the mood to make. Be nice to have by 10/31, so please drop off by then or let us know if you need pick up!
| | | | The Great Goodwin Harvest Festival Fundraiser for Goodwin kids brings neighbors together for live music, delicious food trucks, local vendors, exciting raffles, inflatables, pumpkin painting and more!! 🍂 Sunday, October 25, 2026, from 11- 3 at KE Goodwin School for acelebration organized by the Goodwin PTA to support students and the school. Grab your crew, bring your appetite, and come make some fall memories! Visit **goodwinpta.org** for discounted advance tickets and event details. LEARN MORE | | |
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FOOD DRIVE
FOOD OF THE MONTH: THANKSGIVING NEEDS
□ Gravy □ Stuffing □ Cranberry Sauce □ Quick breads, cake mix
All donations are welcome, of course.
Thank you for your donations and thanks to Craig Whittelsey for delivering to the Pantry
| | PLEASE PRAY for Members: Brandy Bishop, Tom and Carol Clark, Logan & Addy Mikkelson, Elizabeth Palmieri, Shirley Parker, Ellen Pataska, Bill Raabe, Mary Ann Romano, Karen Ritter, Ursula Rufleth, Doris Simoneau, Brian Vitelli, Heide Weise, Marie Wilson for Friends and Family: Liz Brooks, Linda D., Dick and Lynn Kirkner, Anna and Don Neuman, Ava Opalacz, John and Olinda Pataska, Hazel Schwab, Pat S., The Stika Family, Jian Sheng Yu for Loved Ones Serving Country: Nicholas Banks, David Moberg, Luke Santostefano | | You are welcome to light a candle for a loved one at our prayer station as well as fill out a prayer request card for your loved one s in need of corporate prayer. | | | | |
We are always striving to improve our communication here at St. Paul. We look to our members to sometimes be our eyes and ears. If you hear of someone that is hospitalized or homebound due to illness, or is in need of prayer - please let the church office know HERE.
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Pastoral Care
If you would like a visit from me or to schedule an appointment in my office, I would welcome the opportunity, especially if you have a need or concern. As your pastor, let me know how I can be of support.
Blessings, - Pastor Nathan
phone or email: 860.388.2398 pastornathan@stpaul-elca.org
Pastor Nathan is on social media. Send him your friend request!
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OFFICE HOURS for PASTOR NATHAN
TUESDAY - THURSDAY 9:30 - 12:00, 1:00 - 3:00 or by appointment
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