Happy Friday everyone,

It’s Confirmation Sunday this weekend! We will witness 14 young people affirm their baptisms at the 9:45 am service. Worship will also take place at 8:30 am (traditional) in the Sanctuary and 11:00 am (contemporary) in the Fellowship Hall. We pray for our confirmands and their families as they mark this milestone in their journey of faith.

See you in worship!

Pastor Jason

Augustana

Concert Series

Welcomes

 Bach, Beethoven, & Friends

 Sunday, September 25 at 3:00 pm

Join Minnesota Orchestra’s Helen Chang-Haertzen, (violin) Augsburg University’s Anne Ainomäe, (viola) and Jane Cords-O’Hara (cello) for an afternoon of chamber music. The program will consist of music by Johann Sebastian Bach and Ludwig van Beethoven. This concert is a great opportunity to introduce all ages to the joy of classical music! This concert is free and the community is warmly welcome! 

Flu Shot Clinic

September 26, 11:30-1:30 pm   |   Fellowship Hall

Our Flu Shot Clinic will take place at Augustana and be staffed by the Hy-Vee Pharmacy. You must register online for appointment times!

American Red Cross Blood Drive

Thursday, October 6 from 1:00 to 7:00 pm Fellowship Hall

Please sign up online to schedule a donation time. Your help is greatly needed, and every pint of blood collected will help 3 people in need of life-saving blood. Thank you!

Adult Forum

Sundays at 9:45 am, October 2 & 9

Learn about the people and circumstances that led to some of our most beloved hymns, as well as the unfolding musical traditions of the church that will lead us into the future. Led by Andy Jacob, Augustana organist and David Sims, Augsburg Fortress. 

October 3 – October 17

Power and Empowerment

Using Augustana’s annual theme we will look at both the light and dark sides of power based on the books Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown and Think Again by Adam Grant. Stacy will share unique simple practices for healthy empowerment of our body, mind and spirit and how this facilitates connecting to our “Divinity”. October 17 Donna Engels will share her personal experiences regarding “the power within” during her career of foster parenting.

Do I Stay Christian?

ZOOM Book Study, Sundays October 9, 30 & November 13   |   6:30 pm

This book by Brian McLaren looks at why people are leaving our churches and the Christian faith, the reasons why staying in the church might be beneficial, and how the church needs to change if it wants to move forward. Different formats of this book are available on Amazon. Please email Stacy Eichman-Cardwell to sign up. 

Let’s Paint!

Tuesday, October 11, 6:30-9:00 pm     |      Fellowship Hall     |     Cost: $20

Let’s welcome fall with a colorful wagon full of pumpkins, sunflowers, and a special scriptural message. Step by step instructions will be provided by your resident artist, Jan Gunderson. The cost includes everything you’ll need to make your very own masterpiece! All are welcome and remember to dress for mess! Please sign up with payment at the Information Center or in the church office by October 4.  

Weekly Online Ministry

FAITH + practice is a weekly online faith practice! Each Thursday the pastors 

create a 10 minute video to help you connect faith & life! The four segments of the video invite you to PAUSE to make space to hear God’s message, PONDER the scripture and message, PRAY for God’s continued work in your life, and finally engage with the PRACTICE offered each week. Videos can be found every Thursday at augustana.com, select GROW & CONNECT from the main menu bar, select Augustana Online from the drop down menu or watch below.    

Where Faith Meets Life Bible Study

Wednesdays at 6:00 pm

Reading the Bible together helps us make sense of Scripture and grow in faith with others. Each week, we’ll look at the passage for the coming Sunday and explore what it might be saying to us, to our church, and to the world. No experience is necessary.

Hearing Devices Information Session

Sunday, October 9; 9:45-10:45 am, Luther Room

Are you interested in learning more about hearing loss for you or a loved one? Join us for an open forum informational session presented by Augustana member, Jeff Hawthorne. Jeff has many years in the hearing healthcare industry, working with audiologists and hearing specialists. Come learn and ask your questions.

Blood Pressure Screening

Third Sunday of the month, 9:45—11:00 am

 Stop by the office to get your blood pressure checked by a licensed health professional.

A Matter of Balance Class

Mondays, October 10 to November 28, 1:00—3:00 pm

Walker Methodist – Westwood Ridge, 1 Thompson Ave W., West St Paul, MN 55118

Workshop Leaders: Joann Arneberg, Faith Community Nurse and Rebecca Indahl, Faith Community Nurse

Cost: No cost

 Learn practical strategies for: reducing your fear of falling, changing your environment to reduce risks and increasing your activity level to prevent falls in this group discussion class. This class is more conversation-based than exercise-based. Call Joann Arneberg at Augustana for more information 651.457.3373. To register: Sign up online at www.yourjuniper.org/Classes/Register/ 3498 or call 651-204-0904. 

“The Breathing Space”—Volunteers needed!

1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month, 9 am—1 pm, begins October 6 

 Augustana is partnering with DARTS and hosting a group respite opportunity, The Breathing Space. We are looking for volunteers to be paired up with a care-receiver and enjoy arts and crafts, music, education, and much more! For more information or to become a volunteer, contact DARTS at 651-455-1560 or visit 

www.dartsconnects.org/volunteer.

You are invited to an open house from 9 - 11 am on Thursday, October 6. Caregivers, care recipients, volunteers, and anyone from the community are welcome. 

Family Support Group

Monthly, 2nd & 4th Mondays, 6:30 to 8:00 pm

Facilitated by Joann Arneberg, Augustana Faith Community Nurse

 Does your loved one live with a mental illness? NAMI Minnesota (National Alliance on Mental Illness) offers family and friends of individuals living with a mental illness an opportunity to meet with others who share their concerns and experiences. The meeting is free of charge and registration is not necessary. 

Faith-Filled Yoga

Experience God through the simple practice of yoga. 

Flow (Mat) Yoga: Tuesdays, October 4 thru December 13, 6:00-7:00 pm

Chair Yoga: Thursdays, October 6 thru December 15, 10:00-11:00 am

10-week session for $50/$6 drop in | No classes the week of Thanksgiving.

Youth Choirs Begin Wednesday, October 5

Augustana's youth choirs will begin rehearsals on October 5 and we’d love your children to join us! 

Youth Lock-in

Friday, October 7 at 6:00 pm – Saturday, October 8 at 8:30 am   |   Cost: $20

We'll meet at Augustana for dinner before going to Base Camp. Base Camp guides will lead awesome activities like rock climbing and archery. We'll snack on pizza and settle in for a movie on the big screen! All Augustana youth and friends in grades 7-12 are welcome! Email Abby Norlin-Weaver to register. 

Youth Forum

Each Sunday beginning October 2 at 9:45 am | Youth Room, lower level

Youth Forum returns on Sunday, October 2! Open to everyone in grades 7-12. Come connect with new and old friends! No need to register ahead; just come when you are able. 

Senior High Sunday

Monthly on the second & fourth Sundays, 6:30—8:00 pm 

Calling all students in grades 9– 12! Connect with your church friends and participate in a variety of activities throughout the year. Activities rotate between service, fellowship, and education. No need to register; just show up! Can’t wait to see you and your friends!  

Preschool/Toddler Frolic Time

Wednesday’s October 26—December 14 (No class 11/23)

6:00 to 7:00 pm

Children age 18 month-4yrs old will meet with their grown up in the Family Lounge (formerly the nursery) for a time of learning and playing. We will use the Frolic curriculum which is filled with songs, stories, and faith at home ideas. After a short learning time, children will play, while adults visit and get to know each other. Please sign-up at https://signupgenius.com/go/30e0848aaaa22a0f94-preschool 

Looking for Ways to Get

Involved at Augustana?

Families, couples, and singles, we would love your help on Sunday mornings! Usher, read the lesson, or be the welcoming face at the Information Center. We are also looking for funeral helpers! Times and dates vary. Training available! Sign up sheets are available at the Information Center or contact Barb Rolfes to learn more.  

My Very Own Bed Projects

Friday, October 14, 6:30—8:30 pm    |    Saturday, October 15, 8:15 am

We have partnered with My Very Own Bed to make tie blankets on Friday evening in the Fellowship Hall and then help put dream kits and bedrooms together on Saturday morning at new houses for the kids. Saturday morning has limited space. All ages are welcome! Please sign up for either Friday and Saturday (or both)! https://signupgenius.com/go/30e0848aaaa22a0f94-myvery 

Augustana started a weekly Community Meal ministry in May and we are now serving over 300 people each Thursday. All who are in need of a hot meal are invited to drive up to the north doors and a volunteer delivers the food to their car. Volunteers are needed to prep, cook and serve these meals. Volunteers can be members, children/youth, community members, friends, or family. Prep/Cook shifts are 3:30 - 5:30 pm; Serving shifts are 4:30 - 6:00 pm.

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me.”

We want all children to feel welcome in worship at Augustana! A Prayground is set up at the front of the sanctuary to give young children a space of their own, and a better way of seeing what is going on in worship. The Prayground is stocked with soft, quiet toys, books, coloring sheets, and Bible based toys.

Imagine the Power Within this Shopping Bag! 

Please stop by the Information Center to pick up this year's Annual Theme Gift!

Imagine . . . 

• The opportunity to share Augustana's story and invite someone to a fall event or worship at Augustana because they asked you about the logo on your bag! 
• The possibilities for Augustana when you use your bag to return your 2023 Giving Plan on October 23! 
• The impact on the environment when you replace plastic shopping bags with your reusable bag. 

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