St. Paul Lutheran Church | 5879 Wyoming Trail | Wyoming, MN 55092

A Message From Pastor Carrie

This coming Sunday is our last of our monthly ENGAGE: Worship learning series for this school year. It has been wonderful to “ENGAGE” as a congregation in some of the “whys” of our liturgical patterns and rituals. Pastor Dale and I have heard from people of all ages that they never knew the reason why we have certain parts of the worship service or where they came from.

Not surprisingly, many of the parts of the liturgy and the language that we use come right out of scripture. This is especially true of the BENEDICTION. The Benediction (or blessing) is what will be our focus this Sunday. I won’t give any spoilers, but I do encourage you to come and ENGAGE in this beloved, and ancient part of worship.

One of the important parts of this monthly learning series has been that it encourages people of ALL ages to learn together and to interact together. Various religious research organizations have spent money putting the research together so that there is data to back up what we already know - that the way to strengthen the faith of all ages is through intergenerational relationships in community.

Our ENGAGE: Worship monthly learning series does this through conversational sermons that ask questions, through the children’s sermon that engages all ages learning and highlights their singing, through young people leading worship, and through an activity after worship that we hope all ages might ENGAGE in.

As Pastor Dale and I look toward the next year and ways to continue this unique worship that we do together, we value your input and ideas. Look forward to another ENGAGE learning series to begin this Fall.

But this Sunday, we will talk about many different kinds of Benedictions, as well as the one we most often use that is so familiar to us. Today I leave you with a Cherokee Blessing as your Benediction, and invite you to use it with your loved ones as you pray for and bless them.

May the Warm Winds of Heaven blow softly upon your house.

May the Great Spirit bless all who enter there.

May your moccasins make happy tracks in many snows,

and may the rainbow always touch your shoulder.

Native American Wisdom quotes.

Native American Quotes, Native American Wisdom Sayings : Pearls Of Wisdom. (n.d.).

https://www.sapphyr.net/natam/quotes-nativeamerican.htm

See you in church! (and bring a friend!)

Pastor Carrie

WORSHIP THIS WEEK

Sunday, April 21 - ENGAGE: Worship (The Benediction)

9:00 a.m. Worship

View Order of Worship

In-person and streamed live on our Church Facebook Page.

For those without computers or internet access,

the service can be listened to by calling 651-371-5421

We hope to see you there! Bring a friend!

West of 55 (St. Paul Seniors)

A monthly gathering for food,

fellowship, and learning.

(All are invited!)

Wednesday, June 5

Lunch & Learn w/Neil Gatzow

(Neil is local community and church historian)

Wednesday, July 10

Lunch & Laughter

(Picnic Potluck & Games)

Wednesday, August 7

Harmony In the Park

(Featuring “The Rockin’ Hollywoods”)

Campfire & S'mores

June 12, 19, 26

Our time will include guitar playing, singing, a devotion, and informal fellowship.

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Outdoor Worship

Beginning Memorial Day weekend we will be worshiping outdoors

in our Amphitheater every other Sunday.

Our 2024 Outdoor Worship Services

May 26 - Memorial Day Weekend

June 9

June 16 - Father’s Day

June 23

July 7 - Baptism Sunday

July 21

August 4 - Tanzania Group Leads

August 18

September 1 - Labor Day Weekend

Vacation Bible School

June 17 - 21

A community potluck will be held Wednesday evening of this week.

THANK YOU!

This nice Thank You note was received from Claudia Nelson for SPLC recognizing her fifteen years of service as our bookkeeper.

ANNUAL MOTHER'S DAY PLANT SALE

Annual Mother’s Day Spring Plant Sale and Discovery Center Partnership Event!

Saturday, May 11, 9:00 a.m.—1:00 p.m.

All Proceeds from the Plant Sale Benefit St. Paul Lutheran’s

Children’s, Youth, and Family ministries.

This year's sale is in collaboration with the St. Paul Lutheran Discovery Center. Apart from plant sales, visitors can enjoy guided tours of the Discovery Center, along with games, crafts, and a bouncy house for children! Our Discovery Center is now Enrolling New Preschool Families for the Current and 2024-2025 School Years! Come and shop and learn more about our Top-Rated Early Childhood Education and Preschool Program and discover firsthand why families have been choosing our nationally-accredited Early Childhood Education partner, Lake Area Discovery Center, for 25 years!

Volunteers are needed! Sign up sheet is on the table in narthex.

H.E.A.L @ S.P.L.C. - A NEW GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP

We have discovered an ongoing need for a grief support group at St. Paul Lutheran Church and are providing this new opportunity.

It's called H.E.A.L.@S.P.L.C.

H.E.A.L. is an acronym that stands for Hope and Encouragement After Loss. S.P.L.C. of course, stands for St. Paul Lutheran Church.

This group is for those who are struggling with some form of loss in their lives. The group will provide compassion, support, and unconditional acceptance for one another as each experiences their own personal journey towards healing.

Find out more.

ST. PAUL SENIORS - WEST OF 55

St. Paul Lutheran Senior's Service Project

When: May 6, 2024, 3:30 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.

Where: Zion Lutheran Church in Chisago City

Join us for St. Paul Lutheran Senior's May Service Project on May 6th, from 3:30 to 6:15 p.m., at Zion Lutheran Church in Chisago City. We're lending a hand at their weekly Community Meal, a vital service for our local community.

All are welcome to participate, regardless of age. Whether you prefer sitting, standing, or walking, there's a role for you. We'll organize carpooling from our church or feel free to meet us there. Plus, supper is provided for all volunteers. Baseball hats must be worn but don't worry if you forget yours; we have extras available. Sign up on the table in the Narthex and indicate if you'd like to carpool by April 29th. For any inquiries, please reach out to Carole England. Let's make a difference together!

Upcoming Events! Save the Date!

Wednesday, June 5

Lunch & Learn w/Neil Gatzow

(Neil is local community and church historian)

Wednesday, July 10

Lunch & Laughter

(Picnic Potluck & Games)

Wednesday, August 7

Harmony In the Park

(Featuring “The Rockin’ Hollywoods”)

CREATION CARE NEWS

Spring with it's beautiful new growth, calls our attention to the wonders of God's creation and our need to care for all God has made.

Our Sunday flower arrangements are provided by Forest Lake Floral. They are happy to reuse the containers they put them in and the holders for the cards. If you return these to the church, a member of the Creation Care team will return them to the flower shop saving them from the trash.

Thank you!

Fran Nordhausen, Creation Care Team Member

Looking Ahead!

Creation Care Sunday

April 28

2024 SYNOD WOMEN'S ORGANIZATION CONVENTION

at St. Paul Lutheran!

St. Paul Lutheran is excited to host this year's Synod Women's Organization Convention on Saturday, April 27.

Our own Pastor Carrie will be the Convention Pastor for the day and lead worship and preach.

The SWO holds annual conventions to conduct the business of the Saint Paul Area Synodical Women’s Organization, elect officers and Board Members, approve the budget and to set direction for the future. It is also a time for community, to meet to renew friendships and make new friends. There will be inspirational workshops offered and an amazing keynote speaker.

This year the Reverend Angela T. Khabeb (pictured) will be the keynote speaker. She is an ELCA pastor living in Minneapolis, MN. She is a Bridges Scholar and Distinguished Alumna of the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago where she received the 2018 Emerging Voice Award and the James Kenneth Echols Prize for Excellence in Preaching. She has often been seen on GMA3: What You Need To Know that airs on ABC at noon each weekday, and she is a monthly writer for The Living Lutheran magazine. She has also spoke at the last two Triennial SWO Gatherings and is an inspirational speaker.

All women of our congregation and of the Saint Paul Area Synod are encouraged to attend. If any from St. Paul Lutheran would like to help in the kitchen, with altar guild, as greeters, or ushers, please talk to Pastor Carrie or Zella Oswald.

The cost of the event is $45 and can be submitted with your completed registration form. Click here for the Registration Form.

View the Convention Packet for more information!

PARISH NURSE'S CORNER

It’s your friendly nurse’s here to talk about a new topic this week, do you have a burning health care question or a topic you want more information about? Please let Jaime or Joanna know and we will add to the Nurse’s corner!

Did you know you can turn in old or expired prescriptions? National Take Back is April 27th and there are sites in the area for turning in these prescriptions. The closet site is Lino Lakes Police Department but if you want to search here is the website to find other sites. Washington and Anoka county have sites for drop off all year round as well. This helps keep medications from being used for incorrect things or accidentally being ingested by children or pets.

Here is some info from Dose of Realty a Minnesota based organization! The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) sponsors two Take Back Days each year. These national events are an opportunity for community members to safely dispose of unused, unneeded, or expired prescription drugs at community events organized with local law enforcement. The FDA no longer recommends flushing all medications down the drain- there are some lists that can be checked for which medications can be flushed and also some instructions on what to do with unused mediations that can’t be flushed and you can’t get to a take back site.

Follow these steps:

Remove the drugs from their original containers and mix them with something undesirable, such as used coffee grounds, dirt, or cat litter. This makes the medicine less appealing to children and pets and unrecognizable to someone who might intentionally go through the trash looking for drugs. Put the mixture in something you can close (a re-sealable zipper storage bag, empty can, or other container) to prevent the drug from leaking or spilling out. Throw the container in the garbage. Scratch out all your personal information on the empty medicine packaging to protect your identity and privacy. Throw the packaging away.

If you have other questions about what to do with medications please fell free to reach out to either Joanna or Jaime for more questions! We are blessed to have knowledgeable, caring nurses in our congregation. If you have questions for Joanna or Jaime, call the main office

SIGN UP FOR SUMMER CAMP!

St. Paul Lutheran is taking kids to Bible Camp this summer!

It will be at Lake Wapogasset Lutheran Bible Camp in Amery, WI. This is a camp that Pastor Dale and Carrie have brought kids to for years and love the memories and faith growth that has happened in their space.

Our children and youth are encouraged to invite a friend to join them!

Here are our options:

SEEDS Camp - June 14-16 - This is a week-end camp for grades 1-4.
Youth Camp - July 7-12 - This is a Sunday-Friday camp for grades 5-9.

A generous member of our congregation has offered $100 campership to each camper that signs up to attend. If others are interested in financially supporting our campers, talk to Pastor Dale or Carrie.

Follow this link to Camp Wapo’s website for more information.

Use this link to register your child(ren)so you get registered with St. Paul’s group.

Talk to Pastor Dale or Pastor Carrie if you have any questions.

BE THE BRIDGE!

Our "Bridge the Gap: Two Years of Renewed Mission & Ministry" appeal and learning series is underway! After all of the accomplishments of the last two and a half years, we are well on our way out of redevelopment, but we are not there yet. This Bridge the Gap two-year journey towards renewed mission and ministry will get us where we need to be. We have four set goals - to increase membership, to increase general fund offerings, to match our generous anonymous gift, and to become debt free. In addition, throughout our two-year appeal, every three months a specific Sunday will be designated as "Bridge the Gap Sunday" and will focus on various gaps that churches in redevelopment need to cross. We invite you to help Bridge the Gap at St. Paul Lutheran!

Find Out More About Bridge the Gap!

Our little walker has taken another step! Every $2000 received he/she gets to take another step over the bridge!

THE HUMBLE BEES QUILTING GROUP

Next meeting is May 20 at 12:30 p.m.

The Humble Bees will meet the third Monday (12:30 p.m.) of every month.

This group welcomes all experienced and inexperienced quilters or sewers. A great opportunity for learning, teaching, mission, outreach, and fellowship.

Contact the church office, or talk to Wendy Krona with questions. Bring a friend!

SPLC BLOOD DRIVE - MAY 9

St. Paul Lutheran is excited to announce that we will be hosting another blood drive on May 9th from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Stay tuned for further details to come. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to Kathy Mills.

VBS 2024!!

Save the Dates!

VBS 2024

SCUBA:

Diving Into Friendship With God!

June 17 - June 21

This summer’s VBS theme is Scuba – diving into friendship with God. To help bring our stage to life with coral reefs, sea anemones, barnacles, jellyfish, and more, we’re looking for some supplies to help in our creativity. The senior high youth will be working on these sea creatures on Wednesday evenings. The following donations are needed:

Empty 2 liter bottles

Plastic bottle caps, all sizes

Empty paper towel rolls and wrapping paper rolls

Coffee filters

Colored straws of all kinds, straight, bendy, and thin coffee style stir sticks

Large clear plastic bowls from the dollar store

Foam half balls

Neon hard plastic 9 ounce cups

Colored sponges

Bath loofahs (yellow, orange, red/ or gold)

Clear umbrellas

Great stuff

Primer spray paint

3 bright colors of spray paint

Pool noodles

Purple fabric, any size(s)

2 10x25 ft rolls of black plastic

Blue plastic table cloths

Desert sand plastic backdrop (need 4, here is the link)

Under sea plastic backdrop (need 4, here is the link)

Food Coloring

Blue plastic table clothes

Package of 3 oz paper cups

6 large disposable lasagna pans

Scan here to access our VBS wish list on Amazon.

2024 Weekly

General Fund Offering Received

$65,412.58

2024 Weekly

General Fund Offering

Budgeted

$72,354.04

Over / (Under) Budgeted General Fund Offering

$(6,941.46)

2024

Total Revenue Received

$96,959.33

2024

Total Revenue Budgeted

$91,104.08

Over / (Under) Budgeted Total Revenue Budgeted

$5,855.26

Monthly Totals (as of 03/31/2024)

Total Expenses (before mortgage): $58,493

Total Expenses (after mortgage): $74,478

Net Revenue (after mortgage payment):$5,371

Mortgage Balance: $183,940

Edward Jones Balance: $46,866

The Total Revenue received includes ALL revenue received by SPLC.

General Fund Revenue is the portion of Total Revenue Received through

undesignated offerings from members and guests.

Please contact Chris Timmons, with any questions.

GIVE NOW! ELECTRONICALLY!

Click the purple button to give now using our newly updated and improved electronic giving page, still powered by Vanco. You can set up a one time or recurring gift. Thank you!

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