May—June 2016

ST. PAUL LUTHERAN CHURCH FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK Something New

Dear Friends in Christ, May the peace of the Risen Christ be with you. Sitting on the bookshelf in my office is a book entitled, “The Records of the Swedish Lutheran Churches at Raccoon and Penn’s Neck 1713-1786”. As the title may suggest, it is a collection of the records of the Swedish Lutheran Mission on the New Jersey side of the Delaware River and contains such documents as church meeting minutes, deeds, leases, and baptism, marriage, and death records of two early congregations in New Jersey, Raccoon Creek and Penn’s Neck. The minutes often include descriptions of how these early churches exercised their stewardship by listing how much family donated in either goods (such as the number and size of boards to help build the church), in labor, and in either old or new money to support the pastor or subscribe to a pew. The November 3, 1714 minutes from Raccoon Creek note that “since the congregation had no parish clerk, it was decided that the vestrymen should pass around the collection bag six days each.” While the means of being stewards of the mission and ministry of the church has certainly changed from 1714, the need to be good stewards remains. Along with anonymous gifts in the collection plate (some things haven’t changed in over 300 years) our principle means of stewardship for the mission and ministry of St. Paul is through the use of weekly envelopes. At its March meeting, the congregation council approved the introduction of an electronic giving program called Simply Giving, as another way of supporting the mission and ministry of St. Paul. Our new electronic giving program offers convenience for you and much-needed donation consistency for our congregation. When travel, illness, or other circumstances prevent you from attending services, this program will allow your regular offering to continue on an uninterrupted basis. Yes, we will still continue to use the weekly envelopes. Simply Giving is another means of giving to St. Paul, and will mirror exactly the categories that are included in your envelope packets. Coming soon — our Stewardship Committee will have a table in the Narthex so you can find out more about our electronic giving opportunities. Stop by and hear all about it! God bless and thank youl In Christ,

Rev. Peter M. Hartney, Pastor

May—June 2016

Mr. Steve Lindemann, Chairperson Stewardship Committee

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BIBLICAL TEXTS FOR MAY/JUNE WORSHIP May 1, 2016—Sixth Sunday of Easter Acts 16:9-15; Psalm 67; Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5; John 14:23-29

June 5, 2016—Third Sunday after Pentecost 1 Kings 17:17-24; Psalm 30; Galatians 1:11-24; Luke 7:11-17

Visions abound in the readings for the sixth Sunday of Easter. Paul has a vision about what to do. John has a vision of what will be. The risen Lord Jesus provides visions of peace that passes human understanding and power beyond human imagination.

The Time after Pentecost is a teaching time, a growing time, in the life of the church. Texts for this day celebrate God’s ability and intention to provide us with a new lease on life. To that end we gather with the whole people of God to be instructed by the word and nourished in the blessed sacrament.

May 8, 2016—Seventh Sunday of Easter Acts 16:16-35; Psalm 97; Revelation 22:12-14, 16-18, 20-21; John 17:20-26

June 12, 2016 — Fourth Sunday after Pentecost 2 Samuel 11:25-12:10, 13-15; Psalm 32; Galatians 2:15-21; Luke 7:36-8:3

It is possible to hear in Jesus’ high priestly prayer, a prayer he offered shortly before his death, the petitions of the ascended Lord for his own throughout history — to our day — and beyond. Jesus prays for us. In holy baptism we become believers in God, have our robes washed in the flood of Christ’s forgiveness, and receive the gift of life forever with all the saints.

The enormity of our sin is surpassed only by the mercy of God. We come, repentant, to the table of theLord. In the body and blood of Jesus, in the announcement of our absolution, all our sins are forgiven. “Happy are they . . . whose sin is put away.” Happy are we.

May 15, 2016 — Day of Pentecost Genesis 11:1-9; Psalm 104:24-34, 35b; Acts 2:1-21; John 14:8-17[25-27]

June 19, 2016—Fifth Sunday after Pentecost Isaiah 65:1-9; Psalm 22:19-28; Galatians 3:23-29; Luke 8:26-39

Pentecost is a day of promises fulfilled. The promised Spirit of God is poured out. The baptized have become “children of God” and “joint heirs with Christ.” By the power of the Spirit we have seen the face of the Father in his only begotten Son and been saved by him. Bless the Lord, O my soul.

The texts paint startling pictures of the horrific — the demonic — nature of sin. The church’s repeated celebration of the holy communion counters that tragic reality in a continued showing forth of the death of Jesus “until he comes.” It is a dramatic declaration of “how much God has done for you.

May 22, 2016—The Holy Trinity Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31; Psalm 8; Romans 5:1-5; John 16:12-15

June 26, 2016 — Sixth Sunday after Pentecost 1 Kings 19:15 –16, 19-21; Psalm 16; Galatians 5:1, 13-25; Luke 9:51-62

“O Lord our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” Today we celebrate the name of God: holy blessed Trinity. There is no other day quite like this one in the church’s year. There is no other god like ours. Praise Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!

We have no good apart from God. That makes our Lord’s call to follow him an invitation to freedom. This is freedom to revel in the Spirit’s fruits: love, joy, peace, patience, and the like. This is the path of life.

May 29, 2016—Second Sunday after Pentecost 1 Kings 8:22-23, 41-43; Psalm 96:1-9, Galatians 1:1-12; Luke 7:1-10 God hears every prayer — the prayer of the outsider as well as the prayer of the insider. The attentive nature of our God is evident as God comes to us again and again in the word and in the supper. “Ascribe to the Lord the honor due the holy name; bring offerings and enter the courts of the Lord.” Do it today.

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2015 PENTECOST FLOWER RESERVATIONS

The third major festival of the church year is

a continuing witness to the Spirit’s presence.

the Day of Pentecost, which will be celebrat-

Donations in multiples of $5 will help to con-

ed for 2016 on Sunday, May 15. The festi-

tinue this St. Paul tradition. All gifts, wheth-

val remembers the gift of the Holy Spirit and

er as memorials, in honor of, or to the glory

the birth of the Church through the Spirit’s

of God, will be listed in the Pentecost bulle-

power. Gathered in Jerusalem, the disciples

tin.

are gifted by the Spirit and move out in a

Narthex tract rack, or you may use the form

mission that reaches to people everywhere.

at the bottom of this page. The deadline for

The color of the day is red, and it has be-

making a Pentecost flower donation is

come a tradition to wear red clothing re-

Sunday, May 8.

Special envelopes are available in the

membering the fire, which burned in the hearts of the disciples. Red geraniums are also used and then later planted outdoors as

PENTECOST GERANIUM PLANTS NAME ___________________________________________ In memory of _____________________________________ In honor of ______________________________________ To the glory of God _________ Amount enclosed $_________________

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COUNCIL NEWS SUNDAY, MAY 22 AT BOTH WORSHIP SERVICES PURPOSE: TO ELECT NEW COUNCIL MEMBERS A quorum is needed to conduct business. All confirmed members of the congregation are eligible to vote.

NJ Synod Assembly May 6 & 7

“Be Not Afraid”

Synod Assembly is the gathering of the New Jersey Synod, occurring annually to worship, hear from colleagues and ministry partners, make decisions, and dream for the future. The 2016 New Jersey Synod Assembly will be held Friday through Saturday, May 6-7, at Ocean Place Resort and Spa in Long Branch, NJ. The theme of this year’s gathering is, “Be Not Afraid, Sing Out for Joy”. St. Paul will be represented by Pastor Paul Strockbine and lay voting members Carol Dorn and Pam Donovan. Watch for details of the 2016 Annual NJ Synod Assembly in an upcoming edition of the Advance. We ask that you remember the Synod in your prayers as they gather to do God’s work this May.

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WORSHIP & MUSIC NOTES ORGAN FUND UPDATE

Our Goal $69,430 Donated to Date $25,529.96* *Organ Fund total as of March 31, 2016

Thanks to everyone for their generous financial contributions for the refurbishing of our beautiful pipe organ! We are getting closer to our goal! Your Worship & Music Committee

MY DONATION TO THE ST. PAUL ORGAN FUND Envelope # ___________

Name____________________________________________

Address:________________________________City:____________State:_______Zip:__________ E-Mail Address _______________________________ Telephone #_________________________ My Donation : $ _____________ In Memory of :___________________________________________________________________ In Honor of :_____________________________________________________________________ Please send an acknowledgement card to: Name ___________________________________________________________________________ Address:________________________________City:____________State:_______Zip:__________

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FROM THE SOCIAL MINISTRY COMMITTEE

God’s Work - Our Hands

Summer Project

St. Paul Food Pantry Through March, the St. Paul Food pantry provided a four day supply of food for 105 adults and 71children for a total 176 person. To meet this need, the pantry received 1045 pounds of donated food, purchased 1082 pounds, and donated 2351 pounds. Foods continually in desperate need for the panty are: cereal, complete pancake mix, pancake syrup, powdered milk, stew, chili, tuna fish, fruit, canned macaroni, crackers, peanut butter and jelly. A donation of any of these items would be appreciated. Any donated items can be placed in the collection bin in the church.

Our summer project this year will be to provide support to Harbor House, a program to provide up to 6 weeks of live in support to children who cannot return to their homes for various reasons. They have provided a wish list of needed items which include: pots and pans, casserole dishes, dish towels, flatware sets, pillows and pillow cases, cleaning items, various clothing items, hygiene products, school supplies, and other items. The needed items will be included in future bulletins and correspondence. In addition, a representative of Harbor House will address the congregation during our services on June 5, 2016 to discuss the services they provide, their needs, and how we can help them in their mission.

The Social Ministry Committee would like to Magazine Drive for extend our sincere thanks to all who have pro- Hospitals vided support, both food items and financially to the food pantry. The SMC is continuing its collection of new/ used magazines for use by hospital patients. Other Activities If you have relatively recent magazines or paperback books in good shape that you no With the generous support of the congrega- longer need, please deposit them in the tion, we assembled 25 Easter baskets which church collection bin for distribution to local were delivered to the Toms River Salvation hospitals. Army for distribution to the needy in our area. These were deeply appreciated and were part of the 150 baskets and stuffed animals distributed by the Salvation Army.

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What’s Happening! 7

It’s been a wonderful year and as always it’s been a pleasure working with the children who come to St. Paul for Sunday school. Thank you parents for faith in us and bringing your children to experience the “Good News” with us. I can’t say enough about the volunteers who make up the staff. It would be extremely difficult to offer the quality program that the children have come to enjoy without the teachers, assistants and substitutes. They give so freely of themselves and their time, sharing their faith and love of God with the children. I sincerely thank you for your commitment to the Sunday school program. The last day of Sunday school is May 22nd. As of this writing there is no formal closing program planned in church. In the event that this changes, it will be simple and a flyer, text, and email will go home ahead of time to keep you informed. We will have an ice cream social in celebration of our last lesson together, and classes will be dismissed at the regular time.

Sunday school Parents - May 15th I will ask your help again with providing baked goods for a bake sale to raise funds to offset the cost of VBS supplies and decorations. This event is extremely helpful in providing a VBS that the kids will be excited Vacation Bible School about. I’m always amazed at the abundance of goodies that you prepare and deliver. 2016 I’m grateful for your support and relieved when it comes time to place those large orJune 27—July 1 ders for supplies. Thank you! 9 AM—12 NOON Closing Program July 3 Important info for regular VBS’ers - As some of you may know St. Paul has been long time partners in sharing many components of the set and daily props that are part of Vacation Bi9ble School with two area churches. This partnership was formed for financial and ecological reasons. SPACE WILL BE LIMITED - REGISTER EARLY!!! This year one of our partners, Christ Episcopal Church is unable to host a VBS. In friendship, St. Paul will be extending an invitation for some of their children to attend our VBS. I want you to be aware that I will be mailing our registration to our regular mailing list first. This will give you the opportunity to reserve you child’s spot early. I will be adding extra crews and Christ Episcopal will be helping out as crew and station leaders as well as offering other perks. So I encourage you to register early, DON’T DELAY! Your registration materials are included right in this issue of the Advance!

First Holy Communion Classes - The final preparation class was held on April 24. Our students will share in Holy Communion for the first time on May 1 at the 11:00 service. Congratulations go out to our young people receiving the sacrament for the first time. 7

More Christian Education News

It’s Tea Time!

By now you’ve all received your invitation to the annual “No Show Tea.” This is always one of our most successful appeals for funds on behalf of the youth who attend the National Youth Gathering. The next gathering will take place in Houston, Texas during the summer of 2018. The Learning Committee and future students who will attend the gathering are so blessed and grateful for the confidence and support of all who give so generously. Thank you!

There will be no Breakfast Buddies on May 17th the last Day of Sunday school. That day we will be closing the term with an ice cream sundae social. Thank you to Kate LeBaron and Cathy Brendel for their dedication to this program and supplying the children with breakfast each week. I’m grateful for their hard work and support. The children truly enjoy the fellowship of sharing the breakfast meal together and have graced us with many creative prayers giving thanks to God for their abundant blessings.

Training for Reducing the Risk of Child Sexual Abuse will take place on Saturday, June 4 at 9:00 AM in Rowoldt Hall. This training is mandatory every two years for all teen/ adult leaders of children, for Sunday school and Vacation Bible school. A bi-yearly background check is also required. If you are unsure of whether or not you need to fill either one or both of these obligations see Mary Leunig. VBS Crew Leader Training will take place immediately follow the last day of Sunday school May 22nd in the Seaman Room.

Have a wonderful & safe summer!

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9 Stewardship of Treasures –March 2016

Budget Year-to-Date

$69,000

Giving Year-to-Date

$66,279

Expenses Year-to-Date

$27,822

Financial Need Year to Date

($1,543) Help keep your church beautiful and on a strong path. Your generous support is needed. Thank you for all you do. Your Stewardship Committee

God’s Garden Lettuce Be Kind Squash Gossip Turnip for Church

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Evangelism News & Events Did you know that the Evangelism Team of St. Paul is charged with sharing the Good News of Christ with others — beginning with each of you? It was felt that one way to do this was to get you “talking amongst yourselves” . Several events and activities planned for the upcoming year are designed to do just that. In turn, it is our prayer that you will get so excited about what God has done in your lives that you will want to “pass it on”

St. Paul Book Club

Our Next Read:

For One More Day By Mitch Albom

Attention Book Lovers !

Nothing like a good book to get you thinking and talking! We meet frequently to discuss titles of interest to all. The group has recently finished, The Nightingale, by Kristin Hannah, a work of fiction historically based on the women from World War II Paris. All agreed that it gave a great sense of appreciation of life under Nazi occupation and the “women’s war” that went on away from the battlefield. Our next read will be, For One More Day, by Mitch Albom. This is a work of fiction by Mr. Albom, who also wrote, Have a Little Faith (read and enjoyed by our group last year). For One More Day is the story of a mother and a son, and a relationship that covers a lifetime and beyond. It explores the question: What would you do if you could spend one more day with a lost loved one? The St. Paul Book Club meets when they are ready for discussion on Sunday morning between worship services at 10:15 AM in the Anchor House apartment. A signup chart will be available in the Narthex for those interested in reading For One More Day. Copies will be borrowed Ocean County Library as part of their Book Discussion service. Any questions, please feel free to contact the Church Office.

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Evangelism News & Events, continued . . .

Now Showing . . .

Quartet

MAY 15, 2015 at 12:30 PM

Starring Maggie Smith Directed by Dustin Hoffman

(After the 11:00 worship Service)

Quartet is a comedy about redefining old age and growing old with hope — it also illustrates how art illuminates life and the human spirit remains undimmed. It takes place in Beecham House, a home for retired opera singers. The residents are preparing for their annual fundraising concert when a new resident (Maggie Smith), a former grande dame of the opera, arrives and causes everything to unravel. The results are hilarious!

The movie is actor Dustin Hoffman’s directorial debut and was nominated for a 2013 Golden Globe for Maggie Smith’s performance (Best Actress—Comedy or Musical). Hope you can join us! Lunch will be served. Don’t forget to bring a friend!

Lion’s Club Collection Box Available in Narthex

Did you know that Lion’s Club International has a collection box in the Narthex for your used eyeglasses? They will accept prescription as well as nonprescription glasses. It’s a great way to recycle those old glasses collecting dust around the house and help give someone the gift of better sight as well! Just look for the special box on the shelf in the Narthex!

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ELCA’s Walk for Water $1 Million Raised

Thanks to the enthusiasm of our youth and generous support of many, ELCA World Hunger’s Walk for Water fundraising challenge of $500,000 was met—and now it will be doubled!

tems, education about sanitation in rural villages, and so much more. While we celebrate meeting our goal our work is far from over. Continue the momentum of the Walk for Water challenge with special resources, educational opportunities and fundraising events that will help our friends around the world break the cycle of hunger and poverty. Learn more at

More than $500,000 has been received and thanks to a generous family, $500,000 will be matched—totaling more than $1 million in gifts for ELCA World Hunger-supported water projects. Your support is helping to create healthier families and stronger economies through projects that provide clean drinking water through spring boxes and boreholes, support for irrigation sys-

www.ELCA.org/Walk4Water.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Help Wanted ……. SPRING CLEAN UP DAY

SATURDAY MAY 14

Beginning at 8:00 AM Many hands needed to get our grounds and gardens ready for the warmer months to come! 12

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Mark your calendars! CHURCH WOMEN UNITED MAY FRIENDSHIP DAY Friday May 6, 2016 11:00 service with luncheon to follow (“bring something to share if you wish or just come”) Faith Community United Methodist Church, Route 9, Bayville (“just past the dinosaur”) “Finding Grace at the Table”, speaker is Rev. Jean O’Brien Sunday, May 8 Mother's Day - Flowers for the ladies Sunday, June 19 Candy for the gents 29TH ANNUAL NJ WELCA CONVENTION Saturday, September 24, 2016 Zion Lutheran in Oldwick, NJ I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship. (Louisa May Alcott, Little Women) Service Project: personal care kits Also coming soon . . . Seminary Sunday - either September 25 or October 2.Check the bulletins for date and name of speaker There are three active women's circles that meet monthly for study, prayer, and fellowship. Seven new members joined the church recently and we would love to have you join one of the circles. Contact one of our circle leaders for more info. Esther Circle Betty Reithoff 732-244-2249 Sarah Circle Helen Moore 732-341-9760 Mary Circle Pam Donovan 732-240-3752

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Thank You’s . . . You are appreciated! During the past two months, the following notes of thanks were received in the church office. From Carol Eberle: Words cannot adequately express my gratitude for all the cards, phone calls, words of encouragement, and most importantly, the prayers that have carried me through my chemo treatments. I’ve had my ups and downs, and I still have further treatments ahead of me, but knowing I have the love and caring support of my church family brings me much comfort. Love, peace, and joy, Carol Eberle From Carol Scherb: Dear friends: To thank you for the Easter lily and Easter candy. In God’s love, Carol

Scherb

From Harry & Joanne Alonzo: Thank you so very much for the beautiful Easter lily and also the delicious candy. We really appreciate your thoughtfulness! Harry & Joanne Alonzo From Helen Zajac: Thank you Pastor Pete for your visits and thank you so much to the ladies of St. Paul for the candy and plant while I was ill. Your prayers were much appreciated and also the phone calls and cards from so many of the congregation. Helen Zajac

Baptisms Samantha Lynn Pratt Charlotte Aryn Elliott ~ March 13, 2016

Alivia Hope Johnson ~ April 24, 2016

We welcome you into the Lord’s family and pray that you will grow in the covenant of your Baptism. 14

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CIRCLE OF PRAYER

The ill & recently hospitalized of St. Paul: Linda Opland Sheila Clark Carol Scherb Carol Eberle Robert Stambach Samantha Pratt Joe Zavaglia Barbara D’Ippolito Joanne Alonzo

Those who mourn: Ed Walz and family on the loss of his sister, Harriet The Clark Family on the loss of matriarch, Beulah

The homebound and residents of care facilities: Don & Emma Ajlony Louise Bixler Anne Pribush Doris Rowden Marion Speilberger Bill Still Bill & Gloria Cooper Lillian Magee

Frances Hansen Barbara Schenkel Karlyn Gaff

Grief Support Group

Meeting Dates: First Tuesday of each month Time: 7:00—8:30 PM Location: Eastman Room in Main Church Building

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3

For more information contact: Pam Donovan, 732-349-0871 or [email protected] How do you understand grief when your heart is broken by the loss of a loved one? To survive and live forward, those who grieve are looking for answers. Our meetings provide a safe, supportive community in which to share your unique kind of pain with others who are on this difficult journey. If you are grieving the death of a loved one, please join us — if you know someone else in need of support,15please let them know about our group.

May and June

Happy Birthday wishes to all of our members with birthdays in May and June! St. Paul Church also has some very special people celebrating special birthdays: Herbert Boyd on May 3; Anna Schell on May 13; Florence Clause on May 29; Dorothy Poulsen on June 4; Harry Alonzo on June 5; Phyllis Pschorr on June 16, and Carol Scherb and Doris Petersen on June 18.

May Birthdays 1 Diane Anton 3 Richard Elliot 4 Travis Shinn 5 Kim Reilly Christian Ramirez 7 Ron Geiger Barry DiPasquale Rosalie Wurmbrand 9 Frederick DiPasquale 11 Karen Simone 12 Dominic Chiappetta 13 Laurel Keesling Nikki Mastronardy 15 Christopher Schlobohm Michael Zuccarello 16 Lynda Ur-Stevens 17 Janelle Chiappetta Ryan Thomas 18 Donald Thatcher Rudolph Rinderer Jr. Marie Adams 19 Todd Kropinack Dallas Gordon Hailey Butth Jessica Garcia 20 John Myhre Katherine Chapman Kennedy Laureigh Christopher Laureigh 21 Rory Brown 22 John Emmons 23 Christopher Applegate Jr.

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Congratulations to those couples married 50 or more years that are celebrating in May and June: Al and Gen Walck on May 11; Ray and Linda Opland on May 23; and Paul and Dorothy Vogler on June 6. God’s blessings and best wishes to everyone celebrating a birthday or anniversary ! You are all special in his eyes!

Jill Lovinfosse Johnathan Weiss Grace Apanel Alexandra Hehn Stephen Berglund Nicholas Brescia Berthann Milkovitz Frederick Auermuller

June Birthdays 3 Beverly Harrold Grant Black 5 Barbara Blank 6 Michael Lychock Gianna Chiappetta 7 Karen Zavaglia Frederick Preyer 8 Jack Rinderer 9 Daniel Luciano Melissa Barrientos 10 Justin Zuccarello Anthony Zuccarello 12 Mark Pantle Jr. 13 Robert Stambach Ethan Ramoth 14 Matthew Fischer Alexis Stolpe 15 Jean LeBaron 16 Charles Adams Shawn Garcia Brian Laureigh John McGann 18 Amber Gordon

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23 24 25 26 27 28 30

Joan Fanslau Kathy DiPasquale Sean Helm Valerie Salberg Jennifer Medhaug Robert Mikulicka Michael Zebrowski Madeline Ramoth Gabriella Mannarino David Bryceland Carly-Jean Booker Michelle Rinderer Sarah Rinderer David Salberg Trent Gallo Mary Sarnoski Savanna Johnson Lauren Adams Joel Park

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THAT

this newsletter and its accompanying schedules and calendars are available online? Just visit www.stpaul-lutheranchurch.com.

THAT

our brothers and sisters in Christ at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Toms River have a new pastor? They welcomed Pastor Sue Jones to their congregation before Easter. A Service of Installation will be held on Sunday, May 22 at 3:00 PM. We wish Pastor Jones and the people of Holy Cross many years of faithful service together in the name of the Lord.

THAT

plans are underway for Vacation Bible School 2016? This year’s program is “Cave Quest— Following Jesus, the Light of the World” and will take place June 27—. Sign up sheets for

VBS staff positions will be available in the Narthex soon, along with tags for supplies and donations. THAT

St. Paul has an e-mail prayer team that is busy praying for your concerns? If you have a request that you would like included, simply write your request on a slip of paper and place in the box in the Narthex. Forms are available in the pew racks for your convenience. You may also call or e-mail the Church Office. All requests are kept confidential.

THAT

we love it when you bring your children to worship? However for those times that a brief break may be necessary, our nursery/playroom, located on the right side of Rowoldt Hall is available for your use. There are diaper changing facilities and a play area for children (with their parents). You will be able to hear the worship service via a speaker system in the room.

THAT

we are very proud of our graduates and would like to recognize them accomplishment in the summer issue of the Advance? If you or a family member have or will be graduating from high school or college this year, please let us know by phoning or e-mailing the church office or writing a note on the back of your blue attendance card on Sunday morning.

THAT

Two of our members (a married couple, yet) ran and completed the Boston Marathon on Monday, April 18th? Rudy and Sandy Rinderer finished the 26-mile race within a few minutes of each other — Rudy at 4:17.12 and Sandy at 4:21.45. Congratulations to both of you — what an accomplishment!

THAT

flowers may be given for any Sunday or festival of the church year and are a way of remembering loved ones or honoring special people and events? If you would like to donate flowers for a particular Sunday, please write your name on the chart in the Narthex on the corresponding date, and use the envelope provided to return your donation of $20 to the church office (or simply place in the offering plate). Several upcoming weeks are available.

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