Connecting to God, each other, and the world

“Connecting to God , each other, and the world”  According to Jack Kornfield, author of “A Path with Heart: A Guide Through the Perils and Promises ...
Author: Mabel Pierce
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“Connecting to God , each other, and the world” 

According to Jack Kornfield, author of “A Path with Heart: A Guide Through the Perils and Promises of Spiritual Life” these are the questions that grip us at the end of our days. He maintains they represent our deepest intentions for our life. It’s not how much is in my bank account, did I write a book, how much did I build, or how popular am I? These are the questions that reflect life’s core. They are spiritual questions and the end of life is a very spiritual time; remarkably so both for the one whose life is ending and those whose life is changing by the death of a loved one. Death can bring remarkable clarity, perspective and healing. We want to be able to answer those questions and we can! We can begin to recognize the opportunities God has put in front of us this very day. They are ALL OF LIFE questions! This is the Abundant Life that Jesus promises, John 10:10, The answer is in our hearts. Abundant Life fills open hearts. Our hearts are often blocked by the usual things: fear, pride, and shame. But God is working to unblock our hearts. God has surrounded us with the very people we need to practice with today! Family, co-workers, friends, neighbors, strangers: Opportunity after opportunity. We can open our hearts to the people around us, and open our hearts to God. But…we have to There is so much beyond our control. There are relationships that aren’t what we want. There are issues of health and finances and any number of things. God can use these to “open our hearts”. God asks us to live through all of life’s changes with grace, wisdom, and compassion trusting that He is with us. The real purpose of being part of a church is to help us answer these questions with resounding We open our hearts to God and to each other and in doing so we love well, live fully and learn to let go! Blessings! Pastor John You are welcome to study this book the second and fourth Wednesdays of June, July, and August. 7pm Room 205 at church.



Highlights Of Items In This Issue: Baptism Class 6 Barbary Coast 8 Birthdays 14 Calendar 15 Called to Serve 12 Children, Youth & Family 9-11 Church Clean Up Day 9 Church Council 5 God’s Servants 13 Healthy in Body, Mind & Spirit 7 Let’s Talk 6 Men’s Renewal Breakfast 6 Neighbor’s Inc.—Food Shelf 5 Rooted in the Word Bible & Breakfast 4 S.A.L.T. Weekend 3 Stewardship 7 Summer Voices of Praise Choir 13 Summer Worship Schedule 16 VBS 9 Words with Friends 4

—Senior Pastor [email protected] —Associate Pastor [email protected] Director of Children & Youth Ministries [email protected] —Music Director/Organist [email protected]

Summer Worship Saturday Evenings 5:00 pm The Bridge—Contemporary Worship

Sunday Mornings

9:30 am Worship with One Sacrament 12:00 pm Pueblo de Fe—Worship in Spanish 1575 Charlton Street West St. Paul, MN 55118 Church Phone: 651-457-6541 Fax Number: 651-457-5857 www.ststephenswsp.org

If you need assistance outside of these hours please call ahead to be sure someone will be available to assist you.

Alternative Worship Music Minister [email protected] —Office Administrator [email protected] —Bookkeeper [email protected] Faith Community Nurse [email protected] Jessica Donahue—President Brett Scribner—Vice President Dave Bergeson—Treasurer Dave Paton—Secretary Debbie Pirkl—Financial Secretary Tanisha Pikula .........Christian Education Beth Hostager & Diane Meyers ............... .................................. Finance Co Chairs Patrice Katzenmaier & Tiffany Cook........ .......................... Fellowship Co Chairs Mark Rogosheske .................... Memorial Darcy McKenzie ......................... Inviting Jenny Van Pelt ........................... Missions Amy Wilson .... Properties & Maintenance Rhonda Ihrke .......................Stewardship Lori Ritt ........................ Worship & Music Marnie Gulsvig & Annette Youness ......... .......................Youth & Family Co Chairs Pastor John ........................... Dave Paton Tiffany Cook ...................... Joy Stenhaug Sara Ruff Dave Paton ..........................Chairperson

Thank you. St. Stephen’s Update Newsletter ▪ June, 2016

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June 4th and 5th SALT* SATURDAY and SUNDAY A celebration of YOUR Christian faith in daily life. We will explore our theme during worship and celebrate together afterwards. You are invited on ... Saturday to a Chicken dinner and on Sunday to a potluck brunch. (Please bring a dish to share)

*“You are the salt of the earth.” -Jesus St. Stephen’s Update Newsletter ▪ June, 2016

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Rooted in the Word VI: Luke & Revelations The Gospel of Luke is our primary Gospel reading for this church year. Did you know he was probably a doctor, a slave and a Gentile? That he also wrote the Book of Acts and the two fit together hand-in-glove? Both have a very high understanding of the place of the Holy Spirit in the Christian life. There’s lots more to learn! Join the Bible and Breakfast group on the first Saturday of each month in a private dining room in Joseph’s Grill, 140 S. Wabasha Street, St. Paul. We meet from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. During the three months of summer we will complete the study of the Luke and begin the book of Revelation in September. And Grace Will Lead Me Home Luke 15:1-32 Ah, Holy Jesus, How Hast Thou Offended? Luke 23:26-49 How Did Jesus’ Resurrection Change the World? Luke 24:13-35

Words with Friends We are putting together a team to work with the council committees and small groups to keep our website and marketing materials consistent and up-to-date. This team will help create content for new materials, advertising, and announcements and monitor the website to keep it updated and fresh. If you want to put your writing or artistic skills to good use, please contact Debbie Pirkl ([email protected]) or leave your name, e-mail and phone number with the office. You do not have to be local to join this team. Assignments are available for snow birds and college students too! A kick-off meeting will be scheduled when we have 4-5 people on the team.

St. Stephen’s Update Newsletter ▪ June, 2016

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Thank you for your willingness to serve! And thank you to all who have served. As a community we are called to share our time, talent and treasure, thank you for sharing yours here. Please continue to pray for our leaders. Jessica Donahue President, 2nd term Brett Scribner Vice President, 2nd term Debbie Pirkl Financial Secretary/Strategic, 1st term Jenny Van Pelt Missions, 1st term Dave Paton Secretary, 1st term Marnie Gulsvig/Annette Youness Youth and Family, 1st term Patrice Katzenmaier/Tiffany Cook Fellowship, 2nd term Darcy McKenzie Inviting Committee, 1st term Rhonda Ihrke Stewardship, 1st term Sara Ruff Nominating Committee, 1st term Joy Stenhaug Nominating Committee, 1st term Dave Bergeson Tanisha Pikula Lori Ritt Beth Hostager/Diane Meyers Amy Wilson Tiffany Cook Dave Paton Member-at-Large

Treasurer, 3rd term Christian Education, 2nd term Worship and Music, 1st term Finance, 1st term Property and Maintenance, 1st term Nominating Committee, 1st term Nominating Committee, 1st term Member-at-Large, Nominating Committee, 1st term

Kathy Packer Ann Anderson Doug Schmitt Dane McKenzie Steve Morganson Laura Vitelli Annette Youness Brett Scribner Darcy McKenzie

Financial Secretary, replacement until May 2016 Missions, 1st term Secretary, 1st term Youth and Family, 1st term Evangelism, 2nd term Stewardship, 1st term Nominating Committee, 1st term Nominating Committee, 1st term Nominating Committee, 1st term

Please don’t Forget our Neighbors’ in Need this Summer! To continue serving the community, Neighbors needs your help. Donations of food and funds help those in our neighborhood who may not have enough to eat.

          St. Stephen’s Update Newsletter ▪ June, 2016

Tuna and canned meats Pancake mix and syrup Hamburger Helper SpaghettiOs and canned pastas Canned fruit Jelly Toilet paper Shampoo Toothpaste and toothbrushes Hygiene products Page 5

THE STORIED LIFE OF A. J. FIKRY by Gabrielle Zevin

Want a little deeper experience of your faith? You are invited to join a group gathering 2nd and 4th Wednesdays, 7-8:30 p.m. in the Gathering Room 205 for conversations about this book and an experience of mediation. There are 6 of 8 sessions left. You might be surprised about how good it feels to go a little deeper in the faith and grace of God. Lead by Pastor John and Pastor Gary Stoos. June 8, 22 July 13, 27 August 10, 24

Class  All couples seeking to baptize their children are to attend one of our baptismal classes. Meet other families and be reminded or learn the importance of baptism in the Christian life. Please call the church office

Still Going Still Friendly Still Open Every other Friday men gather at the Capital View Café, 637 Smith Ave., from 7:30-8:30 a.m. for breakfast, conversation, and a look at the coming Sunday’s Gospel. Most of the men are from St. Stephen’s, but not all. Most of the men are Lutheran, but not all. Some of them are retired and some are working. Come and see this Summer: June 3, 17 and July 1, 15, 29

for the final planned gathering of the school year we have a wonderful opportunity. We have been invited to “breakfast” of Ramadan on . Carpool from church. All are welcome. Go to (Call the church office if you need help.)

Mixed Group: Tuesdays at 6:45 pm, Rm 206  Women’s Group: Fridays at 7:00 pm, Rm 206 St. Stephen’s Update Newsletter ▪ June, 2016

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is stored in the white cupboard which is wall-mounted next to the church office. It is very easy to use and starts with a voice saying “call 911”, which one would do immediately. The South Metro Fire Department conducted a presentation during the Missions Committee/Volunteer Fair May 1 st. Another class will be scheduled this fall with more detail for CPR procedure. The group met and enthusiastically scheduled another meeting in May. At this time, we will investigate church storage containers for previously completed handwork by congregation members. All are welcome to join us on . Additional “gatherings” are possible, as interest is expressed. . I will be available each Thursday from 10 am to 2 pm during the summer months, (other days are more sporadic) so stop by and visit. Reach Rosalie by calling the church, office 651 457 6541, and leave a message with the office staff. She will return your call as soon as possible.

O Loving God, grant us MINDS to know you, HEARTS to love you, HANDS to do your work & VOICES to sing your praise.

WHY DO YOU GIVE? To help other people in need? Because it makes God happy? To make room in your life for what’s really important? It’s good for us? To pay the church’s bills? Because we’re supposed to? To express love? Because we have enough? Because its better to give then receive? Decisions not mentioned.

Member Contributions Budget 159,850

April Year-to-Date Actual Variance 149,046 -10,804

Annual Budget 455,387

The figures above provide a comparison of budget vs. actual member contributions. The budget reflects 2016 member pledges, historical giving patterns, and a provision to achieve our deficit reduction target. St. Stephen’s Update Newsletter June, 2016

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St. Stephen’s Welcomes the Barbary Coast Sunday, June 12th 9:30 a.m. Tell your friends and Neighbors!

Organist

Gerrit Willem Lamain a Dutch WWII survivor

Presents

REST IN PEACE Sunday, May 29th 4PM

“A Memorial Day Tribute”

St. Stephen’s Update Newsletter ▪ June, 2016

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Sitraka Rakotoarivelo, Youth Director

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Kids — Embark on a VBS Adventure That Will Light Your Way! Gear up for an over-the-top underground adventure! Grounded in the rock-solid foundation of God’s love, a love that takes us through life’s dark times. VBS Registration is open! You will be able to signup online or by paper by contacting Sitraka at [email protected]. Links to the online registration will be available through our Facebook and web page.

July 11-15, 2016 Kindergarten – 6th Grade 7th – Adults (18 – up) Volunteer forms are available online or outside of the youth office door.

Cost: $30, $70 family maximum Keep a lookout on information regarding Vacation Bible School.

CHURCH CLEAN UP—All Ages 4:30-7:30 PM  Meal at 6:00 PM Campfire & S’Mores at 6:30 PM

DEEPEN COMMUNITY BY WORKING TOGETHER The Executive Committee will provide hamburgers and hot dogs Please bring a salad or dessert to share. St. Stephen’s Update Newsletter ▪ June, 2016

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REGISTRATION INFORMATION Our dates and info below. Please save this information! $150 $50 non-refundable/non-transferable deposit is due with registration. This action packed weekend for our youngest (Note Change from previous years) and Families and friends are welcome to attend the closing worship. $410 $100 non-refundable/non-transferable deposit is due with registration.

$420 $100 non-refundable/non-transferable deposit is due with registration.

The registration system is brand new, which means that all parents / guardians will need to create a new account when registering.

C As always, Camp Wapogasset appreciates their partnership in jointly supporting families. They are pleased to offer financial assistance to anyone in need. They require documentation for scholarship requests, and appreciate receiving this information prior to arrival. Please contact the camp office.

All parents can carpool to and from Camp Wapo. We won’t have dedicated transportation from St. Stephen’s.

St. Stephen’s Update Newsletter ▪ June, 2016

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SUMMER LOCAL OPPORTUNITIES

This year’s summer retreat will be going through an organization called Urban Immersion, which is based in Minneapolis, MN. Through these retreats everyone will have a deeper understanding of the complexities of poverty through team building activities and critical reflection. Retreats of various lengths are a way for groups to experience the many issues contributing to poverty, to serve those affected and to take what they learn and address the issues in their own communities. Poverty and Privilege is a customized training program tailored to the specific needs of individual companies, community and congregational groups. Simulations and other exercises are used to instruct and demonstrate the everyday challenges faced by the working poor. We have been a part of a weekend retreat last year and are looking to be a part of their week-long retreat during the summer.

July 25-29 $280 a person Minneapolis, MN 7th - 12th Grade *Dates are always subject to change. If retreat dates aren't full for the week, they either get cancelled or participants are moved to another retreat date.

St. Stephen’s Update Newsletter ▪ June, 2016

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Each month a group of dedicated volunteers from St. Stephen's responds to Jesus' call to feed the hungry by preparing and serving a meal to hungry people in our community.

Feed My Starving Children is a non -profit Christian organization committed to feeding God’s children hungry in body and spirit.

Come for the whole evening or just part. The schedule is:

The following date has been reserved for St. Stephen’s volunteers at the Eagan facility. 990 Lone Oak Rd., Suite 136.

2-5pm Preparation, 5-6pm Serving, 6-7pm Clean Up. Questions - please call Ann Anderson at 651 -451-4876. St. Matthew’s Church is located at 490 Hall Street, in St. Paul.

Join Code 890356 If you are able to attend, please sign up online at using the Join Code above or contact Toni Wakem at 651457-3188.

St. Stephen’s delivers every fourth Wednesday for the Meals-On-Wheels program. . We pick up meals at Faith United Methodist Church, and deliver to our neighbors in West St. Paul, Mendota, Inver Grove, and the South St. Paul area. If you feel called to help us, please contact Loren Van Pelt at (651)-328-4439, or the church office. Thank you for all you do.

Have you considered Sunday Fellowship Hour? All are invited to participate in this great St. Stephen’s get together. If you only have time to run the dish washer or put cups away, that makes a difference for the folks who are serving. Thanks so much. See you at coffee hour !! If you can help, please contact Patrice Katzenmaier, or sign up outside Fellowship Hall next time you are at church. St. Stephen’s Update Newsletter ▪ June, 2016

Please help support the Garlough Elementary School’s efforts to collect labels to redeem for free educational merchandise. Simply save labels or clip proof of purchase from any eligible Campbell products and place them in our “Labels for Education” collection basket located in the narthex. THANKS for helping the kids! Page 12

For I Know the Plans I Have For You ... June—Not Assigned—Would you like to help with Altar Guild? Please contact Mary Brunkow or Lori Ritt. Training Available. We’re looking for Summer Ushers—please contact Lori Ritt if you are able to help. June June June June

5 12 19 26

9:30 9:30 9:30 9:30

am am am am

Ann Pfankuch Mark Rogosheske Alan Sipinen Dave Paton

June June June June

5 12 19 26

9:30 9:30 9:30 9:30

am am am am

Jessica Lynch, Kathy Canniff Brett Culver, Dottie Culbert Deborah Ellis, Joanie Regan Baptism—No Communion

June June June June

6 13 20 27

Dan and Alice Mikel, Merwin Perkins Dottie Culbert, Don Stenhaug, Wayne Taylor Georgia Adkins, Janice and Brett Culver Ann Anderson, Joanie Regan, Tina Scribner

June June June June

5 12 19 26

Steve Morganson Dale Johnson Steve Morganson Dale Johnson

Come and Join our Summer Voice of Praise Choir

Of Voices

Praise

We sing on June 5th, July 10th and August 14 Rehearsals will be on each of the three Sundays at 8:30 a.m.

All are welcome! St. Stephen’s Update Newsletter ▪ June, 2016

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Happy June Birthdays! 6/1 6/1 6/1 6/1 6/2 6/2 6/2 6/2 6/3 6/4 6/5 6/5 6/5 6/6 6/6 6/7 6/7 6/7 6/8 6/8 6/8 6/8 6/10 6/10 6/10

Marilyn Goldsworthy Kallie Kuechenmeister Gerrit Lamain Daniel Mikel Ardis Cashman Jacob Kinney Joel Lehman Donna Oberg Georgia Meyer Judy Van Pelt Christine Gilbertson Matthew Lynch Eric Schurr Tasha Kemna Timothy Regan Jr. Allison Henning Jonathan Larsen Steve Lowary Kelsey Harms Calvin Harper Jessica Pease Jack Pennig Hazel Kubat Mark Lopez Jennifer Lynch

Please help up keep our prayer list of members in the military current. Each Sunday we include all known members in the military in our “prayers of the people.” Please call the church office if you know of additions or deletions. Thank you.

6/10 6/10 6/10 6/11 6/11 6/12 6/13 6/14 6/14 6/14 6/15 6/16 6/16 6/16 6/17 6/17 6/18 6/18 6/18 6/19 6/19 6/20 6/20 6/20 6/20

Elijah Nault Marilyn Plorin Bennett Wilson Henry Buetow-Staples Audrey Chaussee Chuck Paton Nicholas Dodge Daniel Canniff Gordon Pryor Damaris Shields Perry Randall Samantha Brown Susan Dalhed Olivia Dodge Matt Gulsvig Reid Kubat Janis Lopez Darlene Olson Tim Vitelli Chester Cashman Jane Johnson Tim Dickie Brittany Lane Irwin Rosheim Brett Scribner

6/21 6/21 6/22 6/22 6/22 6/22 6/22 6/23 6/25 6/25 6/26 6/26 6/27 6/28 6/28 6/28 6/29 6/29 6/29 6/29 6/30 6/30 6/30 6/30

Garrett Goldsworthy Eveline McKenzie Betsy Anderson Carl Forsberg Edward Glende Verna Pittman Gary Westman Piper Van Pelt Joyce Rosvold Janel Saari Bryon Dockter Sarah Greengo Allen King Joshua Hervey Patricia Longard James Schultz Dylan Hanzel Robyn Molina Isabella Ramirez Lou Ann Skillings Katie Anderson Darren Heutmaker Natalie Rechtzigel Kim Scanlan

is a monthly newsletter published for members and friends of St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, West St. Paul, MN. Any news items, articles, and suggestions are welcome and encouraged. 2nd Wednesday of the Month—

▪ If so, please call the church office with your email address. We also post the current newsletter on the St. Stephen’s website at www.ststephenswsp.org.

St. Stephen’s Update Newsletter ▪ June, 2016

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am am am am

Worship Baptism Fellowship Blood Pressure Noon PdF Worship Fellowship Following

9:30 9:30 10:30 10:30

26

FATHER’s DAY 9:30 am Worship 10:30 am Fellowship Noon PdF Worship Fellowship Following

19

9:30 am Worship 10:30 am Fellowship Noon PdF Worship Fellowship Following

BARBARY COAST LEADS WORSHIP

12

8:30 am Choir Practice 9:30 am Worship 10:30 am Fellowship Brunch Noon PdF Worship Fellowship Following

5 S.A.L.T. Sunday

Sunday

6:30 am STORM 7:00 pm Boy Scouts 7:00 pm Boy Scouts Parent Leadrs

27

21

6:30 9:30 5:00 6:45

14 am am pm pm STORM Rachel Circle Loaves & Fish AA-Mixed

3:00 pm Encore 6:45 pm AA-Mixed 7:00 pm Let’s TalkMasjid At-Taquwa

7

Tuesday

6:30 am STORM 6:45 pm AA-Mixed

28

6:30 am STORM 6:45 pm AA-Mixed 7:00 pm Mary’s Circle

Wednesday

am am am pm pm

Book Club Staff Meeting

23

6:30 am STORM 10:00 am Knitters Ministry

16

10:00 am Encore 2:00 pm MVMS Graduation 6:00 pm Girl Scouts

9

3:00 pm Encore 6:00 pm Girl Scouts 7:00 pm All Committee

2

Thursday

STORM Update Vol Staff Meeting Path With A Heart

6:30 am STORM 10:30 am Staff Meeting

29

6:30 am 9:00 am 10:30 am 7:00 pm

6:30 am STORM

30

6:30 am STORM

YOUTH and T.I.M. TEAM— At Camp All Week

22

6:30 am STORM 10:30 am Staff Meeting 4:30 pm Annual Church Clean Up Night 5:30 pm Exec Comm 6:30 pm Council

15

Encore Path With A Heart

Meals on Wheel

UPDATE ARTICLES DUE

10:00 10:30 11:00 3:00 7:00

8

10:30 am Staff Meeting 3:00 pm Encore

1

CAMP WAPO - ( SEEDS Return Sunday the 19th

6:30 am STORM 7:00 pm Boy Scouts

20

8:00 am STORM Set Up 5:00 pm STORM Open House 7:00 pm Boy Scouts

13

3:00 pm Encore 6:00 pm FMSC/Eagan 6:00 pm Boy Scouts Patrol Leader 6:30 pm Ad Ed Ideas 7:00 pm Boy Scouts 7:30 pm Boy Scout Assistants

6

Monday

6:30 am Noon 6:30 pm 7:00 pm

24

18

3:00 pm Bridge Reh. 5:00 pm The Bridge

11

8:30 am Bible/Brkfst Rooted in the Word Josephs 9:00 am Via de Cristo 3:00 pm Bridge Reh. 5:00 pm The Bridge (S.A.L.T. Weekend)

4

Saturday

STORM PdF Bible Grp PdF Bible Grp AA-Women’s

3:00 pm Bridge Reh. 5:00 pm The Bridge

25

3:00 pm The Bridge Rehearsal 5:00 pm The Bridge

CAMP WAPO - SEEDS 6:30 am STORM 7:30 am Men’s Breakfast Noon PdF Bible Grp 6:30 pm PdF Bible Grp 7:00 pm AA-Women’s

17

8:00 am STORM Set up 9:30 am Mom’s Club Noon PdF Bible Grp 6:30 pm PdF Bible Grp 7:00 pm AA-Women’s

10

7:30 am Men’s Breakfast Noon PdF Bible Grp 3:00 pm Encore 6:30 pm PdF Bible Grp 7:00 pm AA-Women’s

3

Friday

St Stephen’s Lutheran Church ▪ June, 2016

UPDATE is a monthly publication of St Stephen’s Lutheran Church, ELCA 1575 Charlton Street West St. Paul, MN 55118-2999 651-457-6541  651-457-5857 Fax Volume 2016 Issue 6

NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID TWIN CITIES MN PERMIT NO. 1594

Address Service Requested

Connecting to Each Other ... Worship with us— Saturdays at 5PM at The Bridge Sundays (one service) at 9:30 a.m. Pueblo de Fe will continue their worship services on Sundays at Noon

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