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 & 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.

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 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 Open Arms of Minnesota Our Saviour’s Housing ResourceWest of Hopkins Sojourner Project Thrivent Financial for Lutherans West Metro Grief Support ARTICLE SUBMISSION Please submit articles as Word attachments 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. If needed, include the name of a contact person or phone number that readers may call for more information. 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 Lutheran Church.

ST. PAUL’S CHURCH COUNCIL & ASSISTING ADMINISTRATORS

Pastor Rev. Louise Mollick Officers President – Vince Jacobson Vice President – Mary Hromatka Treasurer – Mike Mikulay Council Members At-Large Connie Hessevick Jeanne Moe Kathy Powers Eric Reishus Finance Committee Associate 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 Lisa Foss 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 newsletter published monthly by St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 13207 Lake St. Extension, Minnetonka, MN 55305.

Revelation and Salvation

One of the tapes that play in the back of my head portrays salvation like some kind of a prize for living a life according to God’s expectations (whatever that means). The place where I am on my faith journey today is much more grace centric, but it is also hard to avoid hearing the old tapes that keep on playing. I tend to spend very little time in the book of Revelation because I see such a need to focus on the now, and it has always seemed as if Revelation is more about the future.

The confluence of these concepts (salvation through grace that I embrace, salvation through works that plays on some of the old tapes in the back of my head, and the inconceivability of the free gift of grace) combine into such challenging imagery that I usually avoid thinking about it at all. Eventually, a time comes when the Lord brings it front and center, and I find myself compelled to meditate on it intentionally.

That time came recently following a Discipleship Academy class where the subject was, “Eschatology and Ministry”, a study primarily based in Revelation text and the book of Revelation itself. As I began meditating, I recalled writing a previous article related to salvation and looked it up. It was Grace and Salvation – The Daily Struggle in the January 2009 Messenger. The context leading to that article was the parable of the 10 bridesmaids, a revelation text from Matthew, and it related to a Discipleship Academy assignment from that time. Could it be that revelation text and the significance of salvation go together?

The trigger that brought it front and center was an assertion by the instructor that we are claimed by God and saved through grace. This assertion was followed by a question, “what if” one never does anything in response to being saved. The instructor’s assertion is very consistent with where I am in my faith journey today, but the theology implied by the question started playing again straight from one of those old tapes. When this particular tape is playing, I usually think about the parable of the workers in the field; the ones that

worked diligently all day to get the same pay as those who did almost nothing. That parable usually carries me through until the tape stops playing, but also leaves me with a sense that I’m missing something very important.

Since this was all taking place within the scope of a study in Revelation, perhaps it was a fitting time for me to have a revelation of my own. There was a time long ago when it seemed to me as if the whole business of faith and works and grace was all about “winning the prize”. It was also tempting to have an expectation that God would operate in a way that I would think of as efficient and effective. When you see it in writing, making assumptions that God would operate according to my expectations seems pretty presumptuous, doesn’t it? The essence of my current revelation is that rather than focusing on process, it may be more useful to focus on the meaning of salvation.

Consider this thesis. Salvation is basically the ability to be in relationship with God, in the same way that (spiritual) death is separation from God. One could say that the relationship IS the prize. We are sinful by nature and unable (and probably have no interest) to enter into relationship with God by our own means. When we meet Jesus, our thick, hard, worldly shell is cracked, giving us a tiny taste of the relationship that could be and a hunger to experience that relationship. The most significant difference between living in this world as a child of God and living eternally resurrected, is that in eternal life, we no longer have the thick, hard, worldly shell, and the relationship with God is completely natural.

If, as in the original question, one never acts on the hunger for a relationship with Jesus, the joy and blessings that relationship could be missed for their entire human lifetime. If the original question is expressed as, “If one goes through their entire life without being able to experience a taste of the prize, should the prize be excluded for eternity?” HOW SAD IS THAT? That would make a case that grace isn’t enough, a case that Jesus’ death on the cross wasn’t really for everyone. That is not the God I believe in. Hmm … this perspective might even help turn off some of those old tapes.

Pray for the enlightenment and inspiration to see past your old tapes into Christ’s new reality. Blessings, Vince Jacobson

A MESSAGE FROM

OUR PRESIDENT

HOLY WEEK

The Triduum

Every Sunday in worship the church celebrates the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit gathers us to receive the gifts of God. On several key days at the center of the church year worship takes a particular shape, however. These central days have come to be known as the Triduum. The sacred Three Days – Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday are seen as one celebration. Each day of the Triduum needs the other two to complete the account, the doctrine, and the proclamation of the mystery of redemption. Maundy Thursday, the first part of the Triduum, is observed with The Confession and Absolution, Foot Washing, Holy Communion, and the Stripping of the Altar. The emphasis on the service is not so much the anniversary of the institution of the Lord’s Supper as the new commandment of love; Maundy is an English form of the Latin word for commandment, mandatum. The over-arching theme of the day is Jesus’ new commandment to “love one another even as I have loved you.” Jesus’ love is demonstrated both in his example of servanthood and in his gift of himself. The second part of the Triduum liturgy is Good Friday. We will observe the crucifixion of our Lord through the reading of the Passion of Christ according to John bidding prayers and the adoration of the cross. On Holy Saturday we will host worship with the people of Lutheran Church of the Reformation, St. Louis Park. This final part of the Triduum is called the Easter Vigil. It incorporates a brief service of light, readings that span our salvation story (i.e. The Creation, The Exodus, The Flood, The Valley of Dry Bones, The Fiery Furnace), a remembrance of Baptism, and Holy Communion. After the service we will share refreshments and fellowship.

EASTER

Alleluia! Christ is Risen! Easter Day begins at St. Paul’s with a continental breakfast at 9:00 a.m. and Festival Worship at 10:00 a.m. We will raise our voices in the glorious proclamation of life with alleluias, the flowering of the cross and the Eucharist. Be sure to join the celebration. Invite your family, your friends, your neighbors, and your colleagues. Don’t leave anyone out!! Everyone is welcome at St. Paul’s!!! Come and see.

WORSHIP SCHEDULE

Sundays in Lent

March 7, 14, 21 9:30 am – Holy Communion

Wednesdays in Lent

March 3, 10, 17, and 24 6:00 pm – Soup Supper

6:45 pm – Prayers Around the Cross (Lower Level)

Holy Week & The Triduum

March 28 – Palm /Passion Sunday 9:30 am – Holy Communion

April 1, Maundy Thursday 7:00 pm – Foot washing and

Holy Communion

April 2, Good Friday 7:00 pm – Adoration of the Cross

April 3, Holy Saturday 7:00 pm – Easter Vigil

The Resurrection of Our Lord

April 4 – Easter Day 9:00 am – Continental Breakfast 10:00 am – Festival worship

Treasurer’s Report – January 2010 by Mike Mikulay, Treasurer Just as 2009 ended on a high note, financially, for the congregation, 2010 began in the same way.

Offerings in January were $8,348 favorable to the $14,372 monthly budget. Total receipts for January, which includes offerings plus other sources such as rent & fees, were $8,952 favorable to budget. Expenses for January were close to budget. November and December coffee receipts of $111 was donated to Open Arms of Minnesota as planned. Thank you for your support of our ministries. Please remember to stay current on your giving throughout the year. Call me at 952-933-9068 if you have any questions.

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March is MN FoodShare Month. Support of ICA, your local food shelf and financial assistance agency, is particularly important at this time. All donations made during March are eligible for special incentives

which increase the value of every contribution. Your monetary donation makes it possible for ICA to “stretch our dollars” and buy “more for less” by making food bank purchases. You can donate on VISA or MasterCard by visiting our website – www.icafoodshelf.org or by calling 952-938-0729. Checks may be sent directly to ICA, 12990 St. David’s Rd., Minnethonka 55305. Food donations welcome from 9 am to 4 pm, Monday – Friday. Thanks for your generosity.

6 Carl Peaslee 12 Chuck Rudolph 16 Linda McGee 20 Carolyn Carpenter 24 Julius Helmer 26 Shirley Riggle 28 Mary Hromatka, Pat Tollefson 29 Dean Bonner

andandandand AnniversariesAnniversariesAnniversariesAnniversaries:::: 19 Bernie & Ruth Johnson

Come, SHOP St. Paul’s Lutheran Church

Annual Rummage Sale!

Saturday, May 1st 8:00 – 2:00 PM

Clean, useable items needed!

(no TVs or electronics please)

Bring donations between 5:00 and 7:00 PM.

� Wednesday, April 28th � Thursday, April 29th and/or � Friday, April 30th

Need to store things before these dates?

Call Jan for storage location.

Workers needed too! call Rachel Larson at 952-934-7161 or Jan Guetschow at 952-935-0050

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

MEETING OF THE MINDS Dementia Conference 2010

Save the Date – March 20

A Meeting of the Minds Dementia Conference is the premier dementia conference for persons with early dementia, families, friends and professionals*. The Alzheimer’s Association Minnesota-North Dakota and Mayo Clinic invite you to join them at the St. Paul RiverCenter March 20th.

Participate in a day of education information and support provided by locally and nationally recognized experts. Learn about strategies for legal and financial planning, brain fitness and cutting-edge research. Visit exhibits and displays such as the University of MN Brain Exhibit and purchase books and CDs from Micawbers Books.

This year’s keynote presentation, “On the Brain – the Rock Stars of Science,” will be a lively and informative dialogue with two of the most renowned researchers who were recently featured in GQ magazine’s Rock Stars of Science campaign – Dr. Steven Dekosky, University of Virginia and Dr. Ronald Peterson, Mayo Clinic.

A limited numbers of Family Scholarships are available for reduced registration rates. For more

information, visit www.alz.org/mnnd. *Continuing education will be available for professionals.

NEED HELP AT HOME?

Maxim Healthcare Services has become one of the largest and fastest growing healthcare companies in North America. As a full-service home care, supplemental staffing, and wellness company, we have earned a reputation for our dedication to customer service and for the quality of our healthcare professionals.

Maxim has nearly two decades of experience in providing long-term continuous care to chronically ill patients. In keeping with the high standards of the homecare industry, all of our offices are licensed as required and are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC).

Home Management includes meal preparation, household cleaning, errand running, and companionship. Personal Care Attendants assist with mobility and transfers, medication reminders, preparing meals and feeding, and assist with daily living activities.

If we can help, contact Andrew Johnson, Maxim Healthcare Services, St. Louis Park, 952-545-1140 or e-mail Anjohnso@maxhealth.com.

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Saturday 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.

January 9 – March 27, 2010 9:30 – 11:30 AM

Union Congregational United Church of Christ 3700 Alabama Avenue South St. Louis Park, MN 55416

Pr. Wes Syverson – church liaison (952) 929-6465

DATE SPEAKER TOPIC _______________________

March 6 Brenda DeMotte, MSW, LICSW Gender Differences

March 13 Judy McCabe Personal Story

March 20 Video The Journey of Grief

March 27 Host Church Participants remember their loved ones

March 7 – 3rd Sunday in Lent Isaiah 55:1 – 9 Psalm 63:1 – 8 1 Corinthians 10:1 – 13 Luke 13:1 – 9 March 14 – 4th Sunday in Lent Joshua 5:9 – 12 Psalm 32 2 Corinthians 5:16 – 21 Luke 15:1 – 3, 11b – 32 March 21 – 5th Sunday in Lent Isaiah 43:16 – 21 Psalm 126 Philippians 3:4b – 14 John 12:1 – 8 March 28 – Palm Sunday Sunday of Passion Isaiah 50:4 – 9a Psalm 31:9 – 16 Philippians 2:5 – 11 Luke 22:14 – 23:56 or 23:1 – 49 April 4 – Easter Day Resurrection of Our Lord Acts 10:34 – 43 or Isaiah 65:17 – 25 Psalm 118:1 – 2, 14 – 24 1 Corinthians 15:19 – 26 or Acts 10:34 – 43 Luke 24:1 – 12 or John 20:1 – 18 April 11 – 2nd Sunday of Easter Acts 5:27 – 32 Psalm 118:14 – 29 or Psalm 150 Revelation 1:4 – 8 John 20:19 – 31 April 18 – 3rd Sunday of Easter Acts 9:1- 6 [7 – 20] Psalm 30 Revelation 5:11 – 14 John 21:1 – 19

April 25 – 4th Sunday of Easter Acts 9:36 – 43 Psalm 23 Revelation 7:9 – 17 John 10:22 – 30

Stir up our hearts, Lord God, to prepare the way of your only Son. By his coming give to all the people of the world knowledge of your salvation; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

� 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.

� NEW: Sunday Adult Forum will study the

appointed Psalms for Lent. Everyone is encouraged to attend March 4 – March 21.

� Prayers Around the Cross Wednesday

evenings during Lent, 6:45 – 7:15 pm.

� 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

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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.