October 2009

St. Paul’s Lutheran MESSENGER

Francis of AssisiFrancis of AssisiFrancis of AssisiFrancis of Assisi

The Blessing of the Animals Celebrating the Feast of St. Francis

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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 Christ.”

St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

An RIC congregation of the ELCA

MISSION STATEMENT Our mission is “to be an open and inviting church spreading the Good News of Christ.” WORSHIP TIMES You are invited to join us regularly on Sunday mornings for 9:30 AM worship followed by refreshments and Christian education for all ages. Please check the enclosed calendar for education times.

An interactive calendar is now available on our website: www.saintpaulslutheran.org. Just click the “Calendar” tab at the top of the webpage and click the time for event details. OFFICE HOURS 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, Website: 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 at 952-938-4683 or e-mail us at stpauls@saintpaulslutheran.org.

We are moving toward “going green” in the future. The newsletter is available on our website. Save paper and postage; view it online.

PARTNER CONGREGATION Igelsia Vida Abuntante 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. All are welcome. MISSION AFFILIATES Agora Ministries Augustana Chapel View Care Center in Hopkins Bet Shalom Reform Congregation Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Intercongregation Communities Association (ICA) Hopkins - Minnetonka Family Resource Center Lutherans Concerned/North America (RIC) Lutheran Social Services (LLS) Meals on Wheels Minneapolis Area Synod Oak Knoll Lutheran Church Our Saviours Housing Thrivent Financial for Lutherans West Metro Grief Support

PUBLICATION The Messenger is a newsletter published monthly by St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 13207 Lake St. Extension, Minnetonka, MN 55305.

ARTICLE SUBMISSION Please submit articles as Word attachments with your clip art to stpauls@saintpaulslutheran.org. Include your name and contact information. Indicate whether what you are submitting is optional "filler" material or something you definitely want included in the next newsletter. 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 the 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

Vince Jacobson President

Mary Hromatka Vice President

Carolyn Carpenter Council Secretary

Mike Mikulay Treasurer

Rev. Louise Mollick Pastor

Connie Hessevick Council Member

Jeanne Moe Council Member Kathy Powers Council Member

Bernie Johnson Associate Treasurer

Shirley Schaller Financial Secretary

Steve Mollick Music Director Rachel Mollick Worship Accompanist Linda McGee Kristen Campbell Mike Mikulay Choir Accompanists

Linda Dundas Administrative Assistant

Lisa Foss Webmaster

AUXILIARY BUILDING USE St. Paul’s encourages use of it’s facility by outside entities such that it will support our mission statement. Examples would be the 12 Step anonymous programs, local neighborhood organizations, and other congregations. Please contact us at 952-938-4683 for more information if interested.

COUNCIL NEWS

St. Paul’s Church Council meets at 7:00 p.m. 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

September 8, 2009

Gathering Council President Vince Jacobson called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. Present were Vince Jacobson, Pastor Louise Mollick, Carolyn Carpenter, Mary Hromatka, Connie Hessevick and Mike Mikulay. Connie offered a prayer and devotion. Mike provided the Treasurer’s Report for August and the Financial Secretary’s Report and led an extended discussion pertaining to our financial situation. The report included notes from the “Financial Summit” which was held recently with Phil Eckhert, Tom Larson, Bernie Johnson and Eric Campbell. Recommendations on how to proceed from here were contained in the report as well. Mary moved to follow the recommendations in item “c” (1, 2, and 3) as follows below: “Item c: Summarize assessment/recommendations for council. Recommend the council: 1) direct the Financial Ministry Team to draft a balanced budget(s) for 2010 for review and consideration at the October council meeting showing what the congregation must achieve in new revenues or expense reductions, and what the resulting impacts on current programs/ministries would be; 2) appoint a team to investigate all aspects and alternatives for terminating ministries at St. Paul’s in a manner that best serves the members and staff and that best meets our stewardship responsibilities and to then present the team’s findings and recommendations at the council’s November meeting; 3) call a congregational meeting some time before November to make members fully aware of the financial situation and then again some time soon after the November council meeting for consideration of options, alternatives, and recommendations.”

The motion also included appointing Mike to follow up on these. Carolyn seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

A correction was made on page two of the August 11 minutes. Mary moved to accept the corrected August 11 minutes and Mike seconded. The minutes will be filed as amended.

Reports

• Pastor Louise presented the Pastor’s report and also the Partner congregation’s reports.

• Worship and Music has written up various functions of worship. They plan to use the October monthly gathering for reorganizing our service teams. Experienced people would recruit others for necessary jobs. However, it appears as if the October gathering may be used to cover higher priority topics.

Continuing Business

• Mary provided copies of the Church Facilities Policy and also the policies on Weddings. She asked that we review the policy in detail, provide comments, and be prepared to vote on approval at the next council meeting.

New Business

• Worship and Music was directed to consider and address H1N1 implications with respect to the worship experience, including common cup communion.

The meeting closed with a prayer by Connie and was adjourned at 9:08 p.m.

Disclaimer Highlights are provided for advance information purposes only. The above is not official meeting minutes

and is subject to correction and/or change.

WELCOME Steve & Rachel!! The Search Committee is excited to announce we have hired a dynamic duo as the new Music Director and Worship Accompanist. Steve Mollick will be joining us as our Music Director and will direct the choir. Rachel, his wife, will join us as the Worship Accompanist. She will be leading the music during our worship services. They will start in mid October. Please warmly welcome them.

Treasurer’s Report for August 2009 by Mike Mikulay

At our Annual Congregational Meeting in January, the congregation approved a 2009 budget with a $29,318 deficit. We are on track to use up most of our cash reserves by year-end. This means that the congregation will likely face some severe financial challenges at year-end and going into 2010. Year-to-date receipts are close to budget, and due to close management, expenses are favorable to budget.

YTD Actual YTD Budget Receipts $112,887 $113,196 $309 unfavorable Expenses $128,088 $132,750 $4,662 favorable

Net Receipts ($15,201) ($19,554) $4,353 favorable Highlights regarding year-to-date receipts and expenses include:

- Offerings are $3,000 unfavorable to budget. - Rental fees are $6,000 favorable to budget. - Expenses for Office Supplies, Utilities, and Committees/Ministry Teams combined are $4,300

favorable to budget. The remaining expenses for Salaries, Benefits, Mortgage, Benevolence to ELCA, and Insurance are each close to budget.

Balance Sheet at the end of August:

August 31, 2009 Operating Funds $3,772 Youth Funds $3,904

Total Checking/Savings $7,676 Securities at Scottrade at cost basis* $14,033

GRAND TOTAL $21,709 *Note: Current market value of Securities is about $14,800.

Call me at 952.933.9068 if you have any questions.

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FACILITY USE CHANGES

Things are happening so quickly, it’s hard to get them announced before changes occur.

• As of September 1, 2009 we only have two congregations worshiping at St. Paul’s. Maranatha, the growing Seventh-day Adventist congregation moved to a larger facility at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church on Hwy 7 and Texas Ave. in St. Louis Park. We have much appreciated their financial contribution and knowing their fine leaders. We wish them fond farewell and Godspeed.

When asked the secret of their success, Pr. Birai answered “each is requested to bring two more”.

• We have a local AA group named “It Might Have Been Worse” meeting in the Fellowship Hall every Wednesday starting at 6:15 p.m. On the 2nd Wednesday of the month, when the long standing monthly District AA meeting needs the space, the local AA group moves down the hall to the large meeting room (formerly the youth room). You may have noticed the room is set up in a lecture format and there is a table in the hall for their check-in, display and refreshments.

• We welcome a new group starting October 8 at 7:00 pm, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Hopkins Lodge #17. They will meet every Thursday evening in the Fellowship Hall during the school year but only the 1st and 3rd Thursdays during the summer. When Family Ministry needs the space for Night Out on the 3rd Thursday, Odd Fellows will move upstairs to our library.

• Emerald Crest Senior Living will be using the West end of our parking lot three days a month for overflow parking on staff training days. They will be donating $10/day of use in appreciation.

Belief You Can Change In Over the past year we have repeatedly heard the phrase, “Change You Can Believe In”. I never really quite understood what that meant. Over the same time period, I have been observing our congregation living the phrase “Belief You Can Change In”. We as a congregation have been going through a process of intentional change for at least a couple of years now. The nature of these changes has ranged from modest to borderline radical. The most fascinating thing to me has been the way in which these changes have been embraced, pretty much universally, across the entire congregation. Anyone who has been involved in intentional change within a group or an organization will tell you that change is very scary to many people and that there is generally significant resistance to change. Strangely enough, we have not experienced that and it is tempting to wonder why. One of the most compelling weapons against the fear of change is faith. Think of faith as a belief that THIS change is safe and has no reason to be feared. This sense of safety and freedom from fear of change that we experience in faith makes it literally “a belief you can change in”. One might consider what this faith is, where it comes from, and why it exists in our congregation. This turns out to be a very complex subject. Here are a few possible sources of faith or confidence to consider. 1. A relationship with God growing from a

discipline of regular prayer 2. A relationship with God growing from a

discipline of scripture meditation 3. Trust in one-another as fellow Christians 4. Trust in one-another as friends and family 5. Confidence that our congregational leadership

is faithfully discerning and following a path prepared by our Lord and Savior

6. Confidence in the wisdom of our congregational leadership

I think that each of these possibilities and many others influence our ability to embrace change to varying degrees. We are each at a different place in our journey and what faith means this day is unique to each of us. Everyone that is part of our congregation is here for a reason. We are each being fed by our presence in this community of believers. We don’t think often enough about how we are being fed, what it means to our lives, and what it could mean to the lives of others who have a need to be fed in the same way. This congregation is truly a very unique, very special place, but for some reason it is a well kept secret. Even with all of the other changes we have already embraced, we have only just begun. These are challenging times … for everyone. Most of us have people we care about who are searching; people who have a hunger that is not being fed. We have a responsibility to them to share how we are being fed, to invite them to “come and see”, and to introduce them to a community of believers. Pray for those you know that are in need, are seeking, or are facing closed doors. Pray for belief you can change in and the courage to invite them to come and see. Pray that they will be able to meet Christ and have their needs satisfied, find what they seek, and have the door opened unto them. (Luke 11:9) Blessings, Vince Jacobson

Recycling?

Cell Phones: We have a drop box above the mailboxes in the office to recycle cell phones (please, no accessories including charge cords, manuals, cases etc). Cartridges: The cell phone fundraiser is being expanded to include all ink and toner cartridges. Office Depot will give us credit we can use toward office supplies for each ink and toner cartridge we bring in to recycle. Water bottles: ICA can use your gently used water bottles for liquid dish detergent dispersement. Drop box is in our entryway.

Thank you for recycling with St. Paul’s.

A MESSAGE FROM

OUR PRESIDENT

Create Change for Children Today:

Bring Hope and a Better Tomorrow

October 11, 2009 Children’s Sabbath

St. Paul’s will again join congregations all over the United States in

celebrating Children’s Sabbath. It is a day to lift up the needs of

children. The theme of the 2009 Children’s Sabbath weekend is "Create Change for Children Today:

Bring Hope and a Better Tomorrow." With millions of children living in poverty, lacking basic health

coverage and being funneled into a pipeline to prison, we know that children in our nation desperately

need change and they need us to create change today. We must step forward now to strengthen

families, call for health care for all children, and create paths of promise for every young person.

Creating change for children today brings hope and a better tomorrow for all of us.

The Children's Defense Fund (CDF) began the idea of the Children’s Sabbath some 18 years ago in the

hopes of drawing on another avenue for lifting up the needs of children. The CDF has worked

relentlessly for more than 35 years to ensure a level playing field for all children. They champion

policies and programs that lift children out of poverty; protect them from abuse and neglect; and

ensure their access to health care, quality education, and a moral and spiritual foundation. CDF

advocates nationwide on behalf of children to ensure children are always a priority.

Join us at 9:30 AM on Sunday, October 11, 2009 as we come together once again to observe the

Children’s Sabbath.

Family Night Out

St. Paul’s Youth and Family Ministry is excited to announce a new format

for our gatherings this year. To try to better meet the busy schedules of our

families’ lives, we will hold a once-a-month family gathering to which ALL

families are invited. The evenings, which will be held the third Thursday of

every month, will include a potluck pasta dinner, and will be focused on

the young children in our congregation (ages 0 – sixth grade) though everyone is welcome to attend.

Families are invited to attend together, as this ministry is meant to help encourage a faithful dialogue

between parents and children. We are asking that each family unit take the responsibility for organizing

and planning one month’s gathering which might include game night, Bible trivia, movies, baking or

whatever else your families can think up! We ask that there be a short devotion or Bible study as part of

the evening, and we have plenty of resources for you to use to plan. The next family gathering

will be Thursday, October 22 from 6:00 – 7:30 PM, led by Darcie Rodman, Peter and Chuck

Rudolph. We’re looking for families to sign up for the remaining Thursdays, and a sign-up poster is in

the narthex. If you have any questions or want to pick your month before your choice is gone, please

contact Lisa Foss, gathering coordinator, at 952-401-8044 or lisaefoss@gmail.com.

The Commemoration of

St. Francis of Assisi

The 21st article of the Augsburg Confession says, “It is taught among us that saints

should be kept in remembrance so that our faith may be strengthened when we see what grace they received and how they were sustained by faith. Moreover, their good works are to be an example for us, each of us in [his/her] own calling.”

October 4th is the day that the Church commemorates St.

Francis of Assisi well known for his love of creation and all of God’s creatures. On this day, in various parts of the world, some may see processions of animals, everything from dogs and cats to hamsters and even horses being led to churches for a special ceremony called the Blessing of the Animals.

YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS THIS!!! On Oct. 4th, you AND your pets

are invited to attend worship together! We will enjoy the opportunity to bring our animal companions (furry, feathered or finned) to church for a special blessing. On this day we will all be reminded that church is indeed the place where the bond of creation is celebrated.

A MUST: Please be sure to bring your animal on a leash,

crated, or in a carrier and make sure that you can keep your pet under your control at all times! Blessed are you, Lord God, maker of all living creatures.

You called forth fish in the sea, birds in the air, and animals on the land. You inspired St. Francis to call all of them brothers and sisters. By the power of your love, enable us all to live together according to your plan. May we always praise you for all your beauty in creation. Blessed are you, Lord our God, in all your creatures! Amen.

WE CELEBRATE THE REFORMATION

Reformation Sunday is a festival that we celebrate each year on the last Sunday in October. It is a time to remember that in 1517, on the eve of All Saint’s Day (or as they referred to it then: All Hallowed’s Eve or as we refer to it now: Halloween), Dr. Martin Luther, an unknown Augustinian monk and Old Testament professor, made his way to the community bulletin board in Wittenberg,

Germany (which was the front door of the castle church). There he posted a list of ninety-five complaints he had about the church of his day. This simple act set off a chain of events that would have him excommunicated from the Roman Church within three-and-a-half years. AND within a decade, a movement that eventually bore his name would spread throughout Europe, and then across the whole face of the earth. This movement, which began with one man and his list of complaints on October 31, 1517, would grow in ways that he could never have imagined. Today some eight million people in our own country call themselves Lutherans, and there are more than 60 million Lutherans world-wide. Reformation Day provides an annual opportunity for us to ask what that means to us. What does it mean to be a Lutheran in today’s world? What unique insights about God or the life of faith do Lutherans have? Why is it important, nearly 500 years later, to still have a movement that names itself after Martin Luther? Think deeply about these questions and be reformed! Connect your thoughts with the stories of your life, then, tell them to your friends, your family and your neighbors! Learn and experience what it is like to share your insights and your faith with others: joyfully, gratefully, lovingly, and enthusiastically. Celebrate the reformation!! *Dr. Martin Luther’s seal expresses his theology and his faith. He designed it himself. In the center is a black cross indicative of Christ’s dreadful sacrifice on the cross for every sinner who ever lived. The cross is in the center of a red heart, to show that faith causes love, joy and peace to grow in the human heart, The red heart is on a white rose (Luther’s favorite flower) because white is the color of angels and blessed spirits. The white rose is against a blue-sky background to symbolize the Christian’s hope for the coming joys of heaven. The seal is enclosed in a gold ring, showing that the bliss of heaven is unending

October is National Clergy Appreciation month,

October 11, Appreciation Day

Hebrews 13:7 (MSG)

Appreciate your pastoral leaders who gave you

the Word of God. Take a good look at the way

they live, and let their faithfulness instruct you,

as well as their truthfulness.

Pastor Louise,

You work vigorously, often neglecting personal

needs to give us comfort and direction. You do so

much, yet you receive so little in return. This

National Clergy Appreciation Day, we take time

out to acknowledge and celebrate the efforts of

your leadership.

8 Ways to Encourage Your Pastor

Simple acts that feed a shepherd

by Victor Parachin from “Today's Christian”.

Paul's admonition to "serve one another in love"

(Gal. 5:13) should encourage us to remember our

shepherds. Here are eight ways to make their lives better.

1. Cut the Criticism

Unlike most workers who are evaluated once or

twice a year, clergy are often critiqued weekly

after each worship service. It's not unusual to

hear people say "the music was poor," "the hymn

selection was awful," or "the sermon was boring."

We would do well to remember that most spiritual

leaders work hard to make worship a unique

celebration each week.

2. Pray Regularly

Ask God to shower your pastor with an abundance

of love, hope, joy, faith, peace, power, wisdom,

and courage. Pray for your spiritual leader's

maturity and growth in the faith. As you pray

keep in mind this wisdom from German writer

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe: "If you treat a

person as he is, he will stay as he is; but if you

treat him as if he were what he ought to be, he

will become what he ought to be and could be."

3. Express Appreciation in Writing

A spoken compliment is always welcome, but a

written one can be read over and over again for

years. So, when you hear or see something you

like from your minister, write an appreciative

note.

4. Use your skills to bless

One pastor I know recalls: "I was pastoring my

first church, a small congregation with limited

resources. While there, I developed a series of

dental problems and could not afford treatment.

What a joy it was when a dentist in the church

offered to treat me for free. Correcting my dental

problem involved nearly a dozen visits. He treated

me carefully and cheerfully each time. I have

thought of that dentist many times since then and

the memories of his kindness continue to bless my life."

5. Squelch Gossip

If you hear a negative comment, respond with a

positive one. If misinformation is being spread,

correct it with the accurate information. Or, if

people are gossiping, just walk away. Remember

the Bible soundly condemns gossip and careless

speech. James 1:26 says, "If anyone considers

himself religious and yet does not keep a tight

rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his

religion is worthless." And Psalm 34:13 reads,

"Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies."

6. Offer to meet a need

Some people make their spiritual leaders

defensive and angry by saying, "You need to… "

That approach is seldom welcome and almost

always counterproductive. If you see a need,

approach your spiritual leader by saying, "I'd like

to help by… " If you see an area that can be improved, take responsibility for working on it.

Be an active participant in your church. Get

involved by teaching a class, leading a workshop,

singing in the choir, feeding the hungry. Ask your spiritual leader where and how you can help.

7. Be openly responsive

Nothing so animates and excites a spiritual leader as seeing people respond to the preaching and teaching. Imagine the surprise and delight of a pastor in Virginia Beach, Virginia, who, when greeting a visitor to his church, found she came because of the kindness of a church member who was her neighbor.

"I'm recently divorced, a single parent and new to this community," she told the pastor. "To keep up with rent and provide for my three children, I must work two jobs. That leaves me very little time for yard work. I was relieved when the weeds didn't overrun my yard as I had feared they might. However, when I made an unscheduled trip home in the middle of my workday, I discovered the reason why the weeds had not taken over my yard.

"My 86-year-old neighbor, a member of your church, was on his hands and knees pulling my weeds. I barely knew this man and he was embarrassed to be caught in this anonymous act of kindness. He explained that he heard you preach a sermon on the importance of living a life of compassion and kindness and decided to put that sermon into practice by weeding my lawn."

8. Throw away the measuring stick

Don't expect that your present spiritual leaders will do things the same way their predecessors did. Lay aside personal agendas and preferences. Instead, focus on how your leader is being used by God to do effective ministry now. By serving your shepherds, you will ensure that they will not only be encouraged but will feel appreciated and continue to minister with enthusiasm and energy.

“A friend is someone who stays with you in the bad weather of life, guards you when you are off your guard, restrains your impetuosity, delights in your wholeness, forgives your failures, and does not forsake you when others let you down. The friendship of Jesus enables us to see others as he saw the apostles: flawed by good children of the Father.” Brennan Manning

Thank you St. Paul’s, a good friend.

AGORA SEMINAR FOR GROWING CONGREGATIONS

October 10, 2009 8:30 AM – 3:15 PM

WHO SHOULD ATTEND Pastors, Lay Leaders, Sunday School Teachers, Youth Workers, Greeters and Evangelism Teams

WHAT YOU LEARN ♦ The role of culture in the spread and growth of global Christianity. ♦ How to grow local congregations by welcoming diverse cultures. ♦ How to enrich worship through the healing ministry.

AT THE SEMINAR ♦ Brad’s sessions, “Christianity and Cultures” and “Opening our Hearts and Congregations” will focus on the rich cultural heritage in Christianity. ♦ Small group discussion will bring diverse thoughts and practices in global Christianity. ♦ Dick’s session, “Healing Ministry” will focus on the importance of the ministry of healing in cross cultural outreach and how to bring diversity into congregations.

COST $35.00 per person or $150.00 for

a congregation team of six

SCHEDULE 8:30 - 9:00 Gathering Time – Coffee & Rolls 9:00 - 9:15 Devotion 9:15 - 10:15 Christianity & Cultures 10:15 - 11:00 Small Group Discussion 11:15 - 12:15 Open our Hearts and Congregations 12:15 - 1:15 Lunch and Table Discussion 1:15 - 2:15 Healing Ministry 2:15 - 3:15 Q & A Time with Brad and Dick

Registration forms are available in the Church office, or contact Agora by phone: 952-888-5197, by email: at cherianp@agoraministry.org, or at

website: www.agoraministry.org.

October 4 – Time after Pentecost Genesis 2:18-24 Psalm 8 Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12 Mark 10:2-16 October 11 - Time after Pentecost Amos 5:6-7, 10-15 Psalm 90:12-17 Hebrews 4:12-16 Mark 10:17-31 October 18 – Time after Pentecost Isaiah 53:4-12 Psalm 91:9-16 Hebrews 5:1-10 Mark 10:35-45 October 25 – Reformation Sunday Jeremiah 31:31-34 Psalm 46 Romans 3:19-28 John 8:31-36 November 1 – All Saints Day Isaiah 25:6-9 or Wisdom 3:1-9 Psalm 24 Revelation 21:1-6a John 11:32-44 November 8 – Time after Pentecost 1 Kings 17:8-16 Psalm 146 Hebrews 9:24-28 Mark 12:38-44 November 15 – Time after Pentecost Daniel 12:1-3 Psalm 16 Hebrews 10:11-14 [15-18] 19-25 Mark 13:1-8 November 22 – Christ the King Sunday Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 Psalm 93 Revelation 1:4b-8 John 18:33-37

November 26 – Thanksgiving Joel 2:21-27 Psalm 126 1 Timothy 2:1-7 Matthew 6:25-33 November 29 – 1st Sunday of Advent Jeremiah 33:14-16 Psalm 25:1-10 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 Luke 21:25-36 � 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: Brown Bag Bible Study with Pr.

Louise is being offered Tuesdays at Noon in our Library starting Oct. 6th. Hope you can make it for this refreshing gathering.

� Daily devotional booklet, Christ in Our

Home, is available on the entryway table.

� ELCA online Bible study, Daily Discipleship is based on the lectionary and online at www.elca.org/evangelism/daily discipleship.

� New: Faith Conversation is a new

opportunity for learning and fellowship this fall on Wednesdays nights at 6:00 pm in the library starting October 7th before choir practice.

� Other prayer resources are available at

www.elca.org/prayer.

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

Prayer & Bible Study

West Metro Grief Support Coalition is moving to St. Paul’s

Regular weekly meetings of the West Metro Grief Support Coalition will relocate for a three month period to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Minnetonka. The first meeting will be Saturday, October 3, 2009. Meetings are each Saturday from 9:30 – 11:30 AM with registration and refreshments 9:30 – 10:00 AM. Speakers are from 10:00 – 10:30 AM. At 10:30 participants break into small groups led by trained facilitators until 11:30 AM. People are welcome to attend any or all of the morning events. Our final meeting that includes a remembrance service will be held on Saturday, December 19th. West Metro Grief Support is the combined effort of thirteen area sponsoring churches in the West Metro area, including St. Paul’s. As a sponsoring church it is our privilege to host the grief support group once every two years. As a host we provide a safe and healthy environment, for those who are grieving the death of a loved one, to come together to receive support and education. As we meet this Fall at St. Paul’s, help is needed in providing refreshments and serving them every week. There will be a sign up sheet in

the narthex with further instructions. I would also ask that you pray for all those who will be participating, facilitating and speaking. We have some wonderful speakers lined up and everyone is welcome to attend any speaking time. We kick off our quarter on October 3rd with art therapist Lucy Gantz. On October 24th we have a new author, Lynn MacKenzie, who shares in “The Tear Catcher”, her husband’s journey through cancer and her own experiences from heartache to grace; from unspeakable fear and grief to abundant peace and joy. Each week a growing experience is offered by bringing together adults who have experienced the death of a loved one and are in the grieving process. Individuals may register and join the group at any time by coming to a meeting or by contacting a Coalition Coordinator. Church affiliation is not required. There is no fee but a free will offering will be accepted for refreshments. Co-Coordinator Darcie Rodman can be reached at (763) 546-4404 for questions, information and sign-up.

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.

Saturdays 9:30 – 11:30 AM St. Paul’s Lutheran Church 13207 Lake Street Extension Minnetonka, MN 55305

DATE SPEAKER TOPIC _______________________ October 3 Lucy Gantz, M.A. Art Therapy October 10 Barbara Ziegenhagen Who Am I Now?

October 17 Brenda DeMotte New Normal: Creating a Personal Vision MSW, LICSW

October 24 Lynn MacKenzie “The Tear Catcher” a Personal Story October 31 Mary Christopherson Celebrating Cultural Influences of Grief

MEMBER NEWS

Pr. Louise and some members of St. Paul’s are attending the Discipleship Academy offered by Agora Ministries at Central Lutheran Church in downtown Minneapolis. The Academy meets every other Saturday from 9:00 am to Noon through April 2010. Anyone can join at any time, just talk with Pr. Louise or Vince Jacobson. Confirmation Ministry is again teaming up with Oak Knoll Lutheran Church. Orientation was held September 23 with classes meeting every Wednesday from 6:30 – 7:30 pm. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ October Service Team

�church council member

Carpenter – Marshall, Carolyn�

Foss – Ryan, Lisa, Kristian, Sawyer

Guetschow – Bob, Jan

Hessevick – Connie�

Hoyhyta – Carol

Johnson – Bernie, Ruth

MacNaughton – Jenni, Katie, Zach

Majersky, Deloris

McGee – Linda

Moe – Rick, Jeanne, Britta, Erik, Kris

Nelson – Steve, Wanda

Olson – Ray, Jean

Peterson - Mary Kay

Rodman/Rudolph - Darcie, Chuck, Peter

Rutzen – Doris

Smith – Kay, Ken, Michael

November Service Team

�church council member

Campbell – Eric, Deb, Kristen

Eckhert/Brenden – Phil, Sheri, Emma

& Carl Peaslee, Sarah Eckhert

Gilbertson - Roger, Darla

Hanning – Elsie

Johnson – Regina

Larson – Tom, Rachel

Madson – Annette, John

Mikulay – Mike�, Beth

Pfaendtner - Kathy, Olivia, Helene, & Luke

Powers – Tom, Kathy�, Jack, Nick

Riggle – John, Shirley

Schwitzer – Bill

Streater – Kim, Dylan, John

Thompson – Ruth

2 Betty Anderson 3 Nicholas Powers, Lisa Saal 13 John Streater 18 Mary Copouls 19 Dylan Streater, Doris Rutzen 21 Kelsey Schmitz 25 Phil Eckhert 26 Jenni MacNaughton, Annette Madson 28 Sheri Brenden Greg Saal 29 Maggie Schmitz 31 Laura Eggert

Anniversaries:Anniversaries:Anniversaries:Anniversaries:

3 Matt & Shari Schmitz 18 Tom & Rachel Larson

24 Jim & Nancy Uden 25 Tom & Kathy Powers

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church October 2009 S M T W T F S

Key: CR—Choir room

FH—Fellowship Hall K—Kitchen L—Library, LL—Lower Level PR—Peace/Prayer Room S—Sanctuary SS—Sunday School rooms UL—Upper Level

Celebrating St. Francis of Assisi

1

2 10—Noon Coffee with Pr. Louise, Caribou Coffee Glen Lake 7-9:00 pm VAEC (S)

3 9:30—11:30 am Grief Support at St. Paul’s

4 St. Francis of Assisi Food Shelf Sunday 9:30 am Holy Communion with Blessing of the Animals, followed by refreshments

1—3:00 pm VAEC worship

5 8:00 am—3:00 pm

Emerald Crest parking

9:30 am Staff meeting, Handy Helpers

7:00 pm Emotions Anony-mous (CR)

6 8:00 am—3:00 pm

Emerald Crest parking

Noon—Brown Bag Bible Study (L)

7:00 pm Worship & Music

7 8:00 am—3:00 pm

Emerald Crest parking 11:30 am Befrienders 6:00 pm Faith Conversation 6:15 pm Local AA (FH) 6:30 pm Confirmation O. K. 7:30 pm Choir rehearsal (S)

8 9:00 am Synod meeting

7—9:00 pm Hopkins Odd Fellows (FH)

7:00 pm Transformational Ministry

9 10—Noon Coffee with Pr. Louise, The General Store, Woodhill Rd at Hwy 7

7-9:00 pm VAEC (S)

10 8:30 am Men’s Breakfast at Perkins 9:30—11:30 am Grief Support at St. Paul’s 9:00 am—Seminar Growing Congregations

11 Children’s Sabbath 9:30 am Holy Communion followed by refreshments 1—3:00 pm VAEC worship

2:00 pm Chapel View

12 9:30 am Staff meeting, Handy Helpers

7:00 pm Emotions Anony-mous (CR); Breast Cancer Survivors (PR)

13

Noon—Brown Bag Bible Study (L)

7:00 pm Council meeting

14 11:30 am Prayer Shawl 6:00 pm Faith Conversation 6:15 pm Local AA (YR) 6:30 pm Confirmation Ministry at Oak Knoll 7:00 pm District AA (FH) 7:30 pm Choir rehearsal (S)

15 MEA Newsletter Deadline

6:15 pm Our Saviour’s

7—9:00 pm Hopkins Odd Fellows (FH)

16 MEA

10—Noon Coffee with Pr. Louise, Starbucks Hopkins Crossroads & 7

7-9:00 pm VAEC (S)

17 MEA 9:30—11:30 am Grief Support at St. Paul’s

18 9:30 am Holy Communion, followed by refreshments 1—3:00 pm VAEC worship

7—9:00 pm Spong discus-sion (FH)

19 9:30 am Staff meeting, Handy Helpers

7:00 pm Emotions Anony-mous (CR)

20 Noon—Brown Bag Bible Study (L)

21 6:00 pm Faith Conversation

6:15 pm Local AA (FH)

6:30 pm Confirmation Ministry at Oak Knoll

7:30 pm Choir rehearsal (S)

22

6:00—7:30 pm Family Night out (FH)

7—9:00 pm Hopkins Odd Fellows (L)

23 10—Noon Coffee with Pr. Louise, The Depot Excelsior Blvd, Hopkins

11:00 am Meals on Wheels

7-9:00 pm VAEC (S)

24 9:00 am—Discipleship Academy All day—VAEC (S) 9:30-11:30 am—Grief Support at St. Paul’s

25 Reformation Sunday 9:30 am Holy Communion followed by Monthly Gathering with potluck & discussion 2:00 pm Beacon Hill worship

1—3:00 pm VAEC worship

26 9:30 am Staff meeting, Handy Helpers

7:00 pm Emotions Anony-mous (CR), 7:00 pm Breast Cancer Survivors (PR)

27 Noon—Brown Bag Bible Study (L)

28 6:00 pm Faith Conversation

6:15 pm Local AA (FH)

6:30 pm Confirmation Ministry at Oak Knoll

7:30 pm Choir rehearsal (S)

29 7—9:00 pm Hopkins Odd Fellows (FH)

30 10—Noon Coffee with Pr. Louise, Caribou at Knollwood, east end

7-9:00 pm VAEC (S)

31 9:30—11:30 am Grief Support at St. Paul’s

St. Paul's Lutheran Church 13207 Lake Street Extension

Minnetonka, MN 55305

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Please deliver within 5 days

of October 1, 2009

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.