May 2010

St. Paul’s Lutheran MESSENGER ___________________________________________________________________________

CCCComeomeomeome,,,, Holy Spirit Holy Spirit Holy Spirit Holy Spirit,,,, ComeComeComeCome!!!!

Phone: 952-938-4683 Email: stpauls@saintpaulslutheran.org Fax: 952-938-1141 Website: www.saintpaulslutheran.org

Our mission is to be “an open and inviting church spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ.”

St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

WHO WE ARE A Reconciling in Christ (RIC) congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), Minneapolis Area Synod, Western Parks and Lakes Conference. MISSION STATEMENT Our mission is “to be an open and inviting church spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ.” WORSHIP TIMES You are invited to join us regularly on Sunday mornings for 9:30 AM worship followed by refreshments. Please check the enclosed calendar for days and times of Christian education and events. Also, an interactive calendar is available on our website: www.saintpaulslutheran.org. Just click the “Calendar” button at the top of the webpage and click on the time and event for details. CONTACT INFORMATION The office is lightly staffed. Regular office hours are 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays. Please call before coming in case of unexpected closure. Phone: 952-938-4683 Fax: 952-938-1141 email: StPauls@saintpaulslutheran.org , MAILING LIST Please notify the church office when you notify the Post Office you will be temporarily away because our newsletters are not forwardable. St. Paul’s congregation is pleased to send you this newsletter. However, if you prefer not to receive it, please call the church office or e-mail us. The newsletter is also available on our website. Save paper and postage; view it online.

CONGREGATION RELATIONSHIPS Partners Igelsia Vida Abundante en Cristo, (Abundant Life in Christ), provides a worship service in Spanish at St. Paul’s on Sunday, 1:00 – 3:00 pm and Friday, 7:00 – 9:00 pm. Bet Shalom Reform Congregation, Interfaith Thanksgiving Eve service Lutheran Church of the Reformation, Vigil of Easter Mizpah United Church of Christ, Interfaith Thanksgiving Eve service and Vacation Bible School Oak Knoll Lutheran Church, Confirmation Ministry Companion Mount Olive Lutheran Church Mission Agora Ministries Augustana Chapel View Care Center in Hopkins Augustana Emerald Crest Beacon Hill Commons Intercongregation Communities Association (ICA) Lutherans Concerned/North America (RIC) Lutheran Social Services (LSS) Lutheran World Relief Meals on Wheels Our Saviour’s Housing ResourceWest of Hopkins Sojourner Project Thrivent Financial for Lutherans U.S. Foundation for the Children of Haiti West Metro Grief Support ARTICLE SUBMISSION Please submit articles as Word documents with your clip art to stpauls@saintpaulslutheran.org. Include your name and contact information. For pre-printed fliers or brochures, provide a condensed version that can be directly inserted in the newsletter. Submission deadline is the fifteenth of each month. All submissions are subject to editing for space and content. All rights reserved by St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church.

ST. PAUL’S CHURCH COUNCIL & ASSISTING ADMINISTRATORS

Pastor Rev. Louise Mollick Officers President – Vince Jacobson Vice President – Mary Hromatka Secretary – Jeanne Moe Treasurer – Mike Mikulay Council Members At-Large Connie Hessevick Kathy Powers Eric Reishus Finance Committee Assisting Treasurer – Bernie Johnson Financial Secretary – Shirley Schaller Staff Administrative Assistant – Linda Dundas Choir Accompanist – Linda McGee Music Director – Steve Mollick Worship Accompanist – Rachel Mollick Facility Use Coordinator Mary Hromatka Webmaster Vince Jacobson AUXILIARY BUILDING USE St. Paul’s encourages use of its facility by groups that will support our mission statement. Examples are the 12 Step recovery programs, local neighborhood organizations, and congregations seeking a meeting space. Please contact us at 952-938-4683 for more information if interested. PUBLICATION The Messenger is a monthly newsletter published by St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 13207 Lake St. Extension, Minnetonka, MN 55305. 952-938-4683

I Believe in the Holy Spirit One of the sessions at the recent Discipleship Academy retreat was the work of the Holy Spirit. It was discussed in terms of calling, gathering, enlightening, and sanctifying. As exciting as it is to make discoveries and to cover new ground, I was nagged by something very familiar. Those four words, their sequence, even their cadence kept tugging at my memory … I know I’ve heard this somewhere before. Then it finally came to me. The words were a direct quote from Luther’s Small Catechism - The Third Article of the Apostles Creed:

I believe in the Holy Ghost; one holy Christian Church, the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.

What does this mean?--Answer. I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Ghost has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith; even as He calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian Church on earth, and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith; in which Christian Church He forgives daily and richly all sins to me and all believers, and at the last day will raise up me and all the dead, and will give to me and to all believers in Christ everlasting life. This is most certainly true.

Should I be pleased that I still had some recollection of this after memorizing it over 45 years ago? Should I be embarrassed that I have been a good “pew sitting” Lutheran all of my life and it took so long to recognize phrases from the Small Catechism of all things? I think I will just claim this as one more reminder that no matter how far I think I have progressed on my spiritual journey, I am still but a child.

Strangely enough, this little diversion was right on point. The session was about the work of the Holy Spirit in congregations and how congregations live out those four words. It was suggested that many Lutheran congregations that are effective at calling and gathering make the mistake of jumping right into sanctifying (setting aside for and doing God’s work), and that far too often enlightening gets lost along the way. In my example, the seeds of the Small Catechism were planted in me long ago, but those seeds have been lying un-nurtured and increasingly forgotten for decades. But now here I am being enlightened, having been led by the Holy Spirit to Discipleship Academy, an environment I could have never imagined. I discover that immersion in this environment and in these cultures not only teaches me about the immediate subject but more importantly opens me to be taught by the Holy Spirit. In the midst of this, the third article of the creed steps forward and slaps me right in the face and screams out the underpinnings of transformational ministry as I understand it. That is, we are each transformed (called by the Gospel, enlightened by His gifts, sanctified and kept in the true faith). In that transformation of self, those around us are transformed. In the transformation of us gathered individuals, the church is transformed (called, gathered, enlightened, and sanctified). How could I have missed this for all of these years? Could it be that these seeds have been patiently waiting for God’s time to be uncovered and nurtured? Could it be that even if I had been paying attention, I would not have been able to see these things at an earlier time? Could it be that my guilt over leaving my soul poorly tended is really more about my expectations than God’s? All of this leads me to say, “Well duh … how many ways can I NOT let Luther’s words speak for themselves?” I believe in the Holy Spirit! I DO!! Praise God! The Holy Spirit comes into our lives to reveal and to nurture the seeds that have been planted and to bring fresh seeds and plantings to us. Blessings, Vince Jacobson

A MESSAGE FROM

OUR PRESIDENT

COUNCIL NEWS

St. Paul’s Church Council meets at 7:00 PM the second Tuesday of each month. Congregation members are welcome to attend and/or submit items for the agenda by contacting one of the

council members.

Council Meeting Highlights

April 13, 2010 Gathering: Council President Vince Jacobson called the meeting to order at 7:10 PM. Present were Pr. Louise Mollick, Vince Jacobson, Mary Hromatka, Eric Reishus, Jeanne Moe, Connie Hessevick and Kathy Powers.

Opening prayer was given by Kathy. Reports: The next council meeting will plan a discussion around “Reclaiming the “C” Word”, Chapter 1 by Kelly Fryer.

Pr. Louise reported on concerns of members who had been visited or contacted. Pr. Louise expressed pleasure over the 103 in attendance on Easter Sunday! Overall, the Holy Week services that include the Triduum were well received. We are grateful for the altar cloth and 2010 Pascal candle from Lutheran Church of the Reformation.

Prayer Shawl Ministry – goal: 12-15 shawls for residents of Chapel View Care Center having June birthdays. St. Paul’s will be hosting the June birthday celebration there. Pr. Louise mentioned the nice service provided for Chapel View residents on Palm Sunday in tandem with Pr. Howard Rand. Girl Scouts community gardens – there are wooden stakes set out to designate 18 plots. Eric and Delores Majersky will plan location amongst the garden for a prayer labyrinth. As a means to help congregations live through their “welcome” statement”, a conference was held April 17th at Edina Community Lutheran Church, entitled “Deepening the Welcome Saturday”.

Mpls Area Synod Assembly will be held April 24th at Shepherd of the Lake (Prior Lake) for voting members. St. Paul’s youth representative, Mike

Smith, will be in attendance. Opening worship for ALL is 7:30 pm, April 23rd at Central Lutheran!

John Streater will be confirmed this year, date pending for May, 2010.

A high school/college graduation recognition will be planned; Emma Peaslee graduating from Hopkins H.S. Other graduates to be included.

Bus Stop Ministry will be conducted by Eric to offer St. Paul’s bookmarks as protector around a coffee cup along with coffee and cookies. Selected stops being determined!

The church will be opened for “Jam” sessions and musical practice. Tentative time would be after school 1 day/week. Mike Smith to recruit along with assistance from Eric. A Vida Abundante en Cristo member would like to attend as well.

Finance Report was reviewed.

Continuing Business: Church Sign upgrade – Wrap City Graphics will reface St. Paul’s Lutheran outdoor sign. Two signage strips will include information for Igelsia Vida Abundante en Cristo. Two church members have expressed a willingness to underwrite the cost until further donations are collected. Estimated cost: ~$1500.

The Continuing Resolutions of the Congregation Council were adopted as a working document as of April, 2010. Eric made the motion, Mary seconded with all in favor. Assignments were delegated to council members for oversight at the March mtg. Going green initiative task force of Kathy, Phil and Eric will continue to assess needs at this time. Eric brought up consideration of council agenda to be on PowerPoint as opposed to paper for each meeting.

New Business: Council meeting summary to be presented in newsletter. Full report will be available to members, perhaps on table at church entrance or in the library. Plans underway for April 25th potluck after church service. Thrivent will present on “Making a Difference by Giving Back”.

Consideration of a gospel music group by the Worship & Music Team for Wednesday night

COUNCIL NEWS Summer Picnics on the Patio; a group Eric would like considered is River Jordan.

A suggestion was made to use earth friendly coffee and cups for Sunday morning refreshments. In need of conversation with Lois Lindquist who typically purchases the Folgers coffee for Sunday usage. Eric estimated $.02/cup more with fair trade coffee (earth friendly practices, favorable labor) than if using Folgers brand. May also consider selling the coffee at May 1st rummage sale. The loose offering from Easter Vigil with Lutheran Church of the Reformation will go toward our decision to submit funds during second quarter to the U.S. Foundation for the Children of Haiti.

Kathy Powers brought up a concern that prior to movie at the Hopkins theater week of 4/5/10; the St. Paul’s ad was not run in the 15 minutes prior to show start. Mary Hromatka and Nora Bonner will address this with the theater. (Jeanne and Rick Moe were at theater Friday 4/16/10 for “The Blind Side” and ad was not shown within 10 minutes prior to show start.)

Connie made motion to adjourn, motion seconded and all in favor. Kathy provided closing prayer with adjournment at 9:10 PM. Disclaimer : Council Meeting Highlights are provided for the purpose of timely dissemination of information only. They are not approved meeting minutes and are subject to correction and/or change.

It’s hard to believe that another year of Discipleship Academy is completed. This was my second year, and was almost surprisingly an even richer experience than the first year.

Discipleship Academy classes focus on what it means to be a Disciple and help each of us as disciples in training to build the skills and understanding necessary to go about it. The disciples in training are brothers and sisters in

Christ representing cultures spanning the globe and the relationships built are at least as important as the training itself. The depth and quality of these relationships clearly exhibit the work of the Holy Spirit.

The year end retreat focuses on preparing us to go our separate ways and carry discipleship into the community. The retreat was hosted at a Holy Place, a Benedictine retreat center. The training sessions at the retreat concentrate on faith practices; things we can do to strengthen our faith and our discipleship skills. The retreat experience strengthens the bond and relationships between these very special brothers and sisters in Christ, and the faith stories shared remind us that Christ is indeed walking among us. As a disciple in training from the American culture, my heart swells in the discovery of how powerfully Christ is at work in cultures where mystery is allowed to flourish. We parted at the end of the retreat, each and all wrapped in love and joy, sharing hugs and tears. Some of us will return in the fall to continue the journey, some will be going “back home” in mission, and some will be disciples in their communities here in America, but each of us will retain relationships that strengthen our ability to live as disciples. We have each become more faithful Christians and equipped disciples.

PRAISE THE LORD!! ALLELUIA!! Vince Jacobson

Treasurer’s Report as of March 2010 by Mike Mikulay, Treasurer 952.933.9068

YTD offerings are $4,700 favorable to budget.

YTD total receipts (offerings plus other sources such as rent & fees) are $5,635 favorable to budget.

YTD expenses are $265 favorable to budget.

Operating Fund balance at the end of March was $11,677. We have sufficient cash reserves to pay the bills. Please continue to stay current with your pledge . Thank you!!

Discipleship Academy Retreat 2010

1 Katie Brenk 3 Muriel Erickson 7 Riley Schmitz 8 Richard Moe 13 Ryan Foss 22 Nora Bonner, Kadie Schweiger 24 Beth Mikulay 25 Jan Guetschow 27 John Tollefson 28 Sawyer Foss 30 Nancy MacNaughton 31 Carol Hoyhtya

MAY 17, 2010 Ryan Foss graduates from Carlson School of Management, University of MN with an Executive MBA. Congratulations Ryan!

Jammin’ for Joy of It

A Musical Ministry of St Paul’s, Grades 7 – 12. Attention all young rock stars, wannabees, music lovers of any genre, and those who just wanna have fun! Bring your instruments, bring your voices, and bring your friends. Every Thursday at 3:30 P.M you will have a safe and welcoming place to express yourself. It is the music, the community; it’s a chance to rock on without the shouts of “it’s too loud, I can’t hear myself think”! Or, the neighbors complaining, “You call that music”? COME & SEE!! The fun ends at 5:00 P.M.

Contact Eric Reishus for details.

Community Gardens Update

Three of the members of Girl Scout Troop 11212 have begun working with St Paul’s to design and implement community gardens for their Girl Scout Gold Award,

The gardens will be located in part of the open land south of the building. You may have noticed stakes that were tentatively placed to help determine the size and location of the gardens. The location is subject to some change as the best growing layout is determined. The plan is for 22-25, 10’ X 10’ organic garden plots.

The plots will be available for the members of the community of St Paul’s and the greater community beyond St Paul’s. A prayer labyrinth

continued on the following page.

Shop Until You Drop St. Paul’s Lutheran Church

Annual Rummage Sale and Plant & Bake Sale!

Saturday, May 1st 8:00 – 2:00 PM

continued from the previous page.

will be incorporated into the garden design. A portion of each individual garden’s harvest will be donated to ICA. Ground breaking for the final plot layout will begin on Sunday, May 23, 2010. Soil implementation and individual plot layout will happen throughout the continuing week. The hope is that planting can begin during Memorial Day weekend. The Gold Award is the highest achievement that a Girl Scout can obtain. It includes a civic/ service project that must meet two of a community’s needs and it must be able to continue into the future beyond the initial project. It is expected that it must include at least 65 hours of each girl’s time, be accepted by the standards put forth by the Girl Scouts of the United States of America and the Girl Scout Council of Minnesota and Wisconsin River Valleys. Thanks to St. Paul’s for giving us the opportunity to work on our Gold Award while in service to the community of St Paul’s.

Nora BonnerNora BonnerNora BonnerNora Bonner Claire HobbsClaire HobbsClaire HobbsClaire Hobbs Krista LapicKrista LapicKrista LapicKrista Lapic Members of Girl Scout Troop 11212

Going Green A Stewardship Ministry of St Paul’s

We are stewards of GOD’S CREATION. Stay tuned for changes we can make to

better care for our environment. From wasting resources to the landfills we create and over use, we all want to be better stewards of our earth. Your church council is taking a first step by trying to save a tree and eliminate all but the necessary use of paper in its processes.

Stay tuned for exciting things to come! And, you can count on being asked to help!

by Eric Rieshus Coffee for Commuters A Bus Stop Ministry of St. Paul’s by Eric Reishus

5:45 A.M., the predawn skies are ominous. Dark clouds swirl, lightning flashes and a steady although welcome rain pings off the metal coffee cart. Armed with coffee, juice, water, cookies and of course St. Paul’s now famous welcome bookmarks, I await the first on slot of early morning commuters.

The rain subsides but the anticipated hordes, eager to accept our offerings remain in exile. Three buses slow. The drivers look at me in wonder, shake their heads and speed away. I think maybe it’s the coffee. I give it a taste. Delicious! Praise God it’s not the coffee! It must be the location. I remember the old retail adage, “location, location, location”! It’s time to move!

The third stop is a charm! The Hopkins Park & Ride on Excelsior Blvd at 8th. A St. Paul’s Sunday morning’s worth of commuters wait. No time for formalities. I plunge forward with the offerings. As they accept a kindness from a stranger, I tell them don’t forget to read our mission statement on the bookmark and to remember it’s not just a welcome, it is an INVITATION!

You can be assured. There will be a smile, coffee, kind words and an INVITATION on other days when our brothers and sisters in Christ start their day at the Hopkins Excelsior Blvd and 8th Park & Ride bus stop.

_____________________________

Lutheran Older Adult Ministries

Bill Schwitzer has agreed to be our contact person to the LOAM committee. He will receive electronic communication from the committee and disperse information to the congregation as needed.

We thank Bill for taking on this responsibility and look forward to what he has to convey to us. Please note that Bill has changed his email address: wschwitzer@gmail.com.

PEACE COFFEE A Fair Trade Ministry of St Paul’s Coming Soon! Coffee that tastes great and gives back fairly to those who grow the beans.

The phrase "fair trade coffee" has become ubiquitous in some circles, especially among co-op shoppers, but in the spirit of Fair Trade Month, what does it mean to say that those beans got there "fairly"? The answer to that question is two-fold: first, there are the basic fair trade standards. Those are the elements of making the coffee trade just a little bit fairer for the little guys, farmers who, in the behemoth global commodity trade, get the short end of the stick time after time. For coffee, that means that a minimum price is paid for each pound of coffee from democratically-organized farmer co-ops regardless of where the commodity market roller coaster is. If it's riding high (as it has been lately), all coffee prices are up and the fair trade price provides a premium above that market price. When the market is low, farmers still have the assurance that they can at least get that minimum price from their fair trade buyers. The small security that minimum price provides is perhaps the most discussed element of what fair trade does for farmers, yet it's only one piece. Part of the fair trade price includes a premium that is to be allocated to development projects as determined by the co-op's membership. That means different things to different co-ops, but over the years, some of the farmer organizations that we buy from have put it towards schools in Ethiopia, clinics in Indonesia, pickup trucks in Mexico - all projects deemed of critical need by their communities. Coffee is often grown by small farmers in remote parts of the world where a variety of factors mean that these clinics or schools can be some of the only options available. Far up in the mountains, pickup trucks to collect farmer's coffee mean the difference between selling coffee at your own gate or spending a day trudging washed out paths to the co-op's buying station. The co-ops also provide crucial infrastructure by which small farmers are able to achieve economies of scale. That's not just a dry

economic concept, but the ability for small farmers to own their own processing equipment, adding more value before selling it up the chain. Thus the co-ops provide more than just a price for coffee; in marginalized communities, they can be the best option for doing work that in our own communities we take for granted.

Identity Theft Workshop

Shred and Share Dessert 7:00 pm – May 6 th

What you need to know! The Carver – Hennepin Chapter of Thrivent is sponsoring a FREE

workshop Thursday, May 6 at Christ Lutheran Church, 16900 Main St., Eden Prairi e. The workshop will address ways to keep your financial information safe from identity theft. A truck for shredding sensitive information will be available between 6 – 7 pm and participants are welcome to bring a bagful of sensitive information to shred. Desserts and beverages will be served during the shredding time. The workshop begins at 7:00 pm. RSVP to Barb Hladky at 952-934-9219 or bmhlad@juno.com.

Youth & Family Ministry’s End of Year Picnic planned!

St. Paul’s Youth & Family Ministry has hosted a Family Night Out on the third Thursday of every month since September. The month’s gathering

included a potluck spaghetti dinner, activities encouraging faithful dialogue between parents and children, short devotions or Bible study, and family fun. Thursday, May 20 th is the last FNO for this school year. Sponsors and supporters are encouraged to sign-up for the picnic ASAP. Thanks for a great year!

• Dear Members of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Thank you for your faithfulness in supporting the mission of Jesus Christ through the ELCA in 2009. We are grateful that you were able to exceed the giving plan you made at the beginning of the year. This may not have been easy for you, but your generosity and sacrifice keeps the fire of the Holy Spirit advancing. In 2009, 26 new and renewing ministries in the Minneapolis Area Synod received financial and staff support. This partnership between the churchwide offices, our synod office and our mission congregations is one example of the ministry that is possible because of your continued generous support. May you continue to honor God in steadfast faith, love for the neighbor, with hope for tomorrow and joy in today.

Your partner in Mission, Terri EndresTerri EndresTerri EndresTerri Endres, Mpls Area Synod, ELCA

• Dear OSH Volunteers, April 18 – 24 is National Volunteer Week. Thanks to every single one of you for choosing to volunteer with Our Saviour’s Housing. We know that life is demanding and that you could be giving your time to any number of causes—so this week we’re grateful (as always) that you’ve chosen to serve our residents. Thank you for partnering with us to provide shelter, comfort, hope, and community to those who are homeless. Thank you to over 1,000 volunteers who serve us every year!

Volunteer Coordinator, Colleen O”Connor,Colleen O”Connor,Colleen O”Connor,Colleen O”Connor, Our Saviour’s Housing

• Dear Lutheran Church of the Reformation and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Minnetonka, Thank you for your gift of $80 given through the U.S. Foundation for the Children of Haiti that will help fill the needs of Haiti’s earthquake victims. Every little bit

counts for this hospital and orphanage that serves millions in the ravaged country. (The money was offering collected at the Vigil of Easter service on Holy Saturday.)

• Lutheran Church of the Reformation for the 2010 Pascal Candle. and to Carsten Slostad, Music Director, for the gift of his gorgeous altar cloth.

• Edina Community Lutheran Church for loan of the awesome “Bell Cross” used in the Easter procession.

• Roger Ramsden for hand crafting a customized receptacle for our holder of the Pascal Candle.

• Kris Jacobson for new Easter banners.

• Ruth & Bernie Johnson for decorating the sanctuary and providing the Easter flowers; for furnishing the greenery and flowers throughout the year in all areas of the church, especially the entryway pots.

• to all that purchased flowers to brighten the sanctuary and contributed to the flowering of the cross.

• Mary Hromatka for providing the Vigil of Easter champagne and to all who brought refreshments.

• Jan Guetschow and Carolyn Carpenter for coordinating the awesome catered Palm Sunday Brunch.

• to all that helped with the Celebration of Life and Faith memorial service for Shirley Riggle and the luncheon that followed.

• to Handy Helpers Roger Ramsden, Darold Hanson, John Riggle, and Bill Donoho for everything that they do to keep our facility humming and responding to our multiple requests without complaint.

For more information, please call the coalition co-coordinator Darcie Rodman at 763-546-4404

In Honor & Memory of Shirley Ann Nolan Riggle

Shirley Riggle, wife of John Riggle for 56 years, passed away Tuesday, March 30, 2010. A memorial service was held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, April 6 and a light luncheon followed. In lieu of flowers, memorials were preferred. The family’s memories of Shirley will forever be in their hearts and

minds. They thank God for her life, a life full of love and kindnesses that touched them all. Please keep the Riggle family in your prayers as they mourn the loss of wife and mother.

March 14, 2010 Five new members received at St. Paul’s . We welcome Kadie Schweiger and fiancé Steve Dulac, Kadie’s mother Shelly Schweiger, Bill Donoho and Eric Reishus. All are active participants of St. Paul’s community and we thank them for their commitment. WELCOME! May 16, 2010 Confirmation of John Streater. Affirmation of Baptism may be used at many times in the life of a baptized Christian. It is especially appropriate at the time of beginning one’s participation in a community of faith, as a sign of renewed participation in the life of the church, or a time of a significant life passage. All are invited to celebrate this significant rite of passage in John’s life of faith. June 3, 2010 Emma Peaslee graduates from Hopkins High School . She plans to attend college in the fall. Congratulations Emma on your accomplishment!!

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Tuesday Grief Support Group

West Metro Grief Support Coalition invites all persons experiencing grief due to a death. Grief support groups offer hope and healing through education, listening, sharing, prayer and fellowship.

Aldersgate United Methodist Church 3801 Wooddale Avenue, St. Louis Park, MN 55416-5197 (952) 929-6725

Tuesdays, April 6– June 22, 2010

4:30 – 6:30 PM

DATE SPEAKER TOPIC _____________

May 4 Anna Lee, MT-BC Music in Grief Expression May 11 Jan Stanton, MA Tips for Coping with Grief May 18 Grace Wagnild Self Care & Mindful Meditation May 25 Don Rada Regaining Hope in Your Life

May 2 – 5th Sunday of Easter Acts 11:1 – 18 Psalm 148 Revelation 21:1 – 6 John 13:31 – 35 May 9 – 6th Sunday of Easter Acts 16:9 – 15 Psalm 67 Revelation 21:10, 22 – 22.5 John 14:23 – 29 or John 5:1 – 9 May 16 – 7th Sunday of Easter Acts 16:16 – 34 Psalm 97 Revelation 22:12 – 14, 16 – 17, 20 – 21 John 17:20 – 26

May 23 – Day of Pentecost Acts 2:1 – 21 or Genesis 11:1 – 9 Psalm 104:24 – 34, 35b Romans 8:14 – 17 or Acts 2:1 – 21 John 14:8 – 17 [25 – 27] May 30 – The Holy Trinity

1st Sunday after Pentecost Proverbs 8:1 – 4, 22 – 31 Psalm 8 Romans 5:1 – 5 John 16:12 – 15 June 6 – 2nd Sunday after Pentecost 1 Kings 17 – 24 Psalm 30 Galatians 1:11 – 24 Luke 7:11 – 17

June 13 – 3rd Sunday after Pentecost 2 Samuel 11:26 – 12:10, 13 – 15 Psalm 32 Galatians 2:15 – 21 Luke 7:36 – 8:3

June 20 – 4th Sunday after Pentecost Isaiah 65:1 – 9 Psalm 22:19 – 28 Galatians 3:23 – 29 June 27 – 5th Sunday after Pentecost 1 Kings 19:15 – 16, 19 – 21 Psalm 16 Galatians 5:1 – 13 – 25 Luke 9:51 – 62 The time after Pentecost is a teaching time, a growing time, in the life of the church. Each Sunday’s texts celebrate God’s intention to provide us new life in the Spirit. Jesus, Jesus, you are my everything – my hope, my peace, my joy. Amen.

Christ in Our Home, May 23, 2010 � St. Paul’s Prayer Line is activated by

calling the coordinator, Maxine Rieman at 952-238-8516, cell 763-807-7682, or calling the church office when she cannot be reached.

� Other prayer resources are available at

www.elca.org/prayer.

Sunday Bible Readings [Can be used for bulletin cover design inspiration]

Prayer & Bible Study

St. Paul's Lutheran Church 13207 Lake Street Extension Minnetonka, MN 55305 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Please deliver within 5 days of May 1, 2010

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID Permit #532

Hopkins, MN 55343

WELCOME STATEMENT

We at St. Paul’s are committed to welcoming you . . .

• If you are lesbian, gay, bisexual, intersexual, transgendered or straight.

• If you are seven, seventeen, forty-seven or one hundred and seven.

• If you are black, brown, red, yellow, white or any shade in between.

• If you are broken, healed or in recovery.

• If you are rich, poor, or somewhere in between.

• If you are able-bodied, disabled or differently-abled.

• If you have a strong faith, have doubts about your faith or aren’t sure you have any

faith at all.

• If you have accepted Christ’s love, question Christ’s love or don’t know if you are loved.

• If you are looking for a church home, have never had a church home or need a place to

find peace.

We are committed to welcoming everyone, living as a reconciling people

in our life together and in our outreach to the community.