stpaul-elca.org

Join us in Worship!

Sunday, May 5, 2024 at 9:30

Sixth Sunday in Easter

“I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.” Jesus at the Last Supper, according to John 15.11

Reflect on John 15:16 - "You did not choose me, but I chose you."

What does it mean to be chosen? Can you remember times in your life when you were chosen - or not? When Jesus notes that disciples are chosen by God to do God’s work in the world, how does it feel? Does it feel burdensome, or does it feel honoring? If Christ has chosen us, chosen our community, to do good in the world, how does that feel? What is your response to that feeling?

Invited into Friendship

Sunday’s readings inspire and compel us to love one another and see one another as God does. As the Holy Spirit falls on those outside the inner circle of the circumcised, Peter asks how the water of baptism can be withheld. In 1 John we hear that those who love the parent love the child. Jesus says followers are no longer servants but friends. So whether they are a stranger with different customs and practices, our family member, or closest friend, we are called with the challenge and opportunity to love them. The promise is that this unconditional love that comes first from our Creator and Parent, expressed through the person of Jesus and through the Spirit, is splashed all over us, and will make our joy complete.

In the Garden this Sunday

Woodland Memorial Garden Rededication 

SUNDAY, MAY 5 10:45am 

We will gather in the Woodland Memorial Garden to recognize and rededicate this sacred space and honor and remember our departed members.

THANK YOU to Virginia Clarke for picking up the bronze name strips for the plaque in Guilford and delivering to the church for installation.

THANK YOU to Darrell Pataska for adding Art and Gloria Egelhofer's name strips to memorial plaque yesterday. Hoping the drill that bit your hand apologized for doing so...

Other Sundays in May

PRESENTATION of BIBLES

for children and youth

MAY 12 | 9:30

The Bible is a gift of faith stories and teachings of Jesus that provide counsel and direction to our life. The good news is that we have Good News to share! Nine children will be receiving Bibles this day.

DAY of PENTECOST

& sonic tapestry

MAY 19 | 9:30

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?

TEACHER & MENTOR

recognition & appreciation

MAY 19 | 9:30

On this day we give God thanks for the St. Paul teachers and Homework Club mentors who share their love and attention. We celebrate you and our grateful for you and the ways you nurture God's children!

The St. Paul Grief Share Ministry has announced the dates of their next session on Tuesday afternoon at 1:00 beginning July 9th - October 1. If you would like to know more about this ministry or would like to know more about becoming a facilitator, reach out to Nancy Bailey. Additionally, if you know of someone who is mourning the loss of a loved one, let them know about Grief Share by directing them to griefshare.org

Sunday Hymn of the Day

We Are Called - Notre Dame Folk Choir

Come, open your heart

Show your mercy

to all those in fear

We are called

to be hope for the hopeless

So all hatred and blindness

will be no more.

The theme of "We Are Called" is about others and how we should act toward them.

Act with justice.

Love tenderly.

Serve one another.

This is the same message Jesus gave his Apostles. The instructions are clear.

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." -John 15:12 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

Elinor Bonafonte, our official St. Paul centenarian, enjoyed a visit from her church friends (Nancy Ballek is missing from photo). Elinor loves short visits if you are available to spend a little time with her. Call her at (860) 310-2038 to let her know you're coming. Elinor lives in West Hartford. The McAuley Rm. A 117, 275 Steele Road, West Hartford 06117

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