stpaul-elca.org

Join us in Worship!

Sunday, April 28, 2024 at 9:30

Fifrth Sunday in Easter

This Sunday’s image of how the risen Christ shares his life with us is the image of the vine. Christ the vine and we the branches are alive in each other, in the mystery of mutual abiding described in the gospel and the first letter of John. Baptism makes us a part of Christ’s living and life-giving self and makes us alive with Christ’s life. As the vine brings food to the branches, Christ feeds us at his table. We are sent out to bear fruit for the life of the world.

Connections with Creation

 Jesus with Mary of Magdala | Hans Thoma

One translation for Jesus’ description of the Father in John 15:1 is “gardener” (NIV) rather than “vinegrower” (NRSV). So the concept of mutual abiding in John 15 may be imaged as a garden. Gardens play a major role in the Gospel of John. In the farewell discourse this image of the vine in the garden is the centerpiece; Jesus will be betrayed in a garden; and the resurrected Jesus will appear to Mary in a garden. For John the garden is a place to learn about the love of Christ, to contemplate suffering, and to encounter resurrection and new life. Sunday’s readings present an opportunity to consider gardens, farms, vineyards, gardeners, and farmers as places and people that teach us about God’s love

Whaddya say - It's Almost May!!

Wednesday, May 1, 10:30 am 

Coffee with Pastor Nathan

Informal conversation with snack (Narthex)

And then so soon - It's gonna be June!!

HANDBELL CONCERT

& hospitality

JUNE 2 | 4:00

Shoreline Ringers, a community handbell choir, awes and inspires audiences with their ringing that include varying techniques and rhythms that promise pleasure and fun for all! Free(free will offering)!  www.shorelineringers.org

CT RIVER TALK

& hospitality

JUNE 19 | 12:00

The New Adventures Team is hosting a light lunch followed by a presentation by Dick Shriver on the CT River watershed. Invite your friends or anyone you happen to meet on the street! Free(free will offering)! RSVP HERE SHRIVER ON SWALLOWS

BLOOD DRIVE

& hospitality

JUNE 24 | 12 - 5

Be a part of this life-giving process! We'll need help with registration, making finger sandwiches and manning the hospitality table. Donors- get pre-screened HERE!  LEARN MORE

Please say you'll help with one (or more!) of the above listed labor-intensive activities HERE

Thank you to Nancy Bailey and Dicie Mueller for leading our Grief Share Ministry these past months and for sharing through this past Sunday's Temple Talk, their insights of the program and the invitation to participate in the next session offered in July. If you were not able to attend on Sunday, read Temple Talks HERE

Anybody going to Guilford?

We need two small nameplates (for Memorial Garden) picked up from Shelley Brothers Monuments, 724 Boston Post Rd. in Guilford (across from Goodwill Donation Center) Phone 203-453-9129 Let us know HERE.

REQUEST for Day of Pentecost Readers

We hope to recreate a sense of the sonic tapestry that would have been present in the original Pentecost, as the Spirit arrived and enabled people from all nations to hear the message in their own native tongues. If you speak another language (or just be able to read it out loud) would you be willing to take part in the reading of Acts 2:1-21, on Pentecost Sunday May 19 in the language of your choice? We will provide you with the text in the language of your choice -- just let us know HERE if you would like to participate. LEARN MORE

Sunday Sending Hymn

God’s banners fly o’er us;

God’s light goes before us,

a pillar of fire shining forth in the night,

till shadows have vanished

and darkness is banished,

as forward we travel from light into light.

One of the ways we can keep watch and protect ourselves from our foes is through prayer and by filling our hearts with thanksgiving (Col 4:2).  “Let All Things Now Living,” written in 1939 by Katherine K. Davis, is a perfect song to store in our hearts to frighten away our adversaries. In it we call all creation to join us in giving thanks to God, who guides, protects, and sets His love upon us. Employing Old Testament images, the text calls forth praise from all creatures and directs that praise to God the Creator. We praise God because he made us and provides for us (st. 1. In verse 2 we see that the sun, stars, mountains, and oceans obey Him and proclaim His sovereign deity and that we should unite with them! Such beautiful truths to incorporate into our daily rhythms, prayers and meditations. LEARN MORE

● Sunday(s) 8:00 pm AA (Fellowship Hall)

● Monday(s) 7:00 pm AA (Fellowship Hall)

● Tues. & Thurs.(s) 3:30 pm Homework Club Mentoring (Classroom)

● Wednesday(s) 7:30 am Bible Study (Classroom - *1^st Wed. OS Diner)

● Thursday(s) 1:00 pm Bible Study(Classroom)) CALENDAR HERE

Happy Birthday to YOU!

Birthdays come and go 

And years may pass away, 

But God's love and mercy, 

You'll find will never fade 

His love is always there 

No matter what we do, 

In our hearts forever, 

His love remains true. 

LINK TO MAY BIRTHDAYS

* Don't see your birthday? Send along your name and the date and it will be added

PLEASE PRAY for Members: Elinor Bonafonte, Brandy Bishop, Logan and Addy Mikkelson, Sandra Caravello, Elizabeth Palmieri, Darrell Pataska, Karen Ritter, Mary Ann Romano, Ursula Rufleth, Heide Weise for Friends and Family: Priscilla Allen, Carol Bauer, David Blitch, the Castagnaro Family, Erin Cole, Devin Drinkuth, Barbara and James Harris, Jane Humel, Charles Hess, Karen Lyman, Tom Maher, Jona Moughty, Marilyn Paquette, Eddie Peddle, Kelly Powell, Roy Smith, Jane Tyler, Dawn V., Brenna Waite, Kelsey Waite, Barbara Wilcox  for Loved Ones Serving Country: Nicholas Banks, David Moberg, Luke Santostefano 

We are always striving to improve our communication here at St. Paul. We look to our members to sometimes be our eyes and ears. If you hear of someone that is hospitalized or homebound due to illness, or is in need of prayer - please let the church office know  HERE.

Pastoral Care

If you would like a visit from me or to schedule an appointment in my office, I would welcome the opportunity, especially if you have a need or concern. As your pastor, let me know how I can be of support. 

Blessings, - Pastor Nathan

phone or email: 860.388.2398 pastornathan@stpaul-elca.org

Pastor Nathan is on social media. Send him your friend request!

OFFICE HOURS for PASTOR NATHAN

TUESDAY - THURSDAY 9:30 - 12:00, 1:00 - 3:00

or by appointment