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S T . P A U L ’ S U M C | 7 0 0 W E S L E Y L A N E | MENDOTA HEIGHTS MN 55118
Epistle
Inspired by God’s love, we:
offer a spiritual oasis,
teach one another to serve,
and reach out to encourage
others to know Christ.
April 2018
REFLECTIONS FROM PASTOR AMY JO
Happy Easter! We are celebrating larger and more beautiful than understanding of God. All of these
the glorious resurrection of Christ humanity. For Christians, we can words, metaphors, music, and art
and all of the beautiful signs are incomplete and
of new life within and imperfect descriptors, but
around us. As part of my they help us imagine what
own Lenten preparation for it might be like when our
Easter, I have spent some spiritual journey is
time playing the piano. I complete and we finally
grew up in a musical family, come into God’s presence.
and the music of the church They can also help us to
has been a part of my prayer quiet our hearts and listen
life for as long as I can more attentively for God’s
remember. My Lenten word for our lives.
practice time on the piano
has reminded me of the way During April, we will have
that the beauty of art, music, several guest musicians
and nature sometimes re- visit Saint Paul’s UMC.
mind us of God’s presence Often, they will play
and open us to God’s Spirit together with our chancel
in remarkable ways. choir and bell choir. Our
hope is that their musical
Can you remember a time gifts will help inspire us
when you have been and lead us toward God’s
listening to (or performing!) presence in a special way. I
music at a concert and the invite you to be present
room grew more and more with us in worship and
quiet, until at the end of the concerts with these musical
piece there was an awed guests, and invite others to
hush when it seemed like everyone name this as the Spirit of God. join us. God may have a special
might be holding their breath before Because God is a holy mystery, blessing in store for all of us.
bursting into applause? In that human beings struggle for words,
moment of awed silence, the beauty metaphors, art, and music that (continued on page 2)
of the music points toward a spirit begin to express some of our
Epistle April 2018
(continued from page 1)
April 1 (Easter) 8:30 and 10:30 am worship Laurie McFaul, violin
April 15 10:30 am worship Linda Breitag and Ray Makeever, violin and flute
April 22 10:30 am worship Charles Scarborough, piano, selections for spring
April 28 7:00- 8:30 p.m. concert Don Irwin, piano
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness;
come into his presence with singing.
For the Lord is good;
his steadfast love endures for ever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.
-Psalm 100:1-2, 5
EASTER EASTER OFFERING classrooms, volunteering to
work with literacy. To increase
Sunday, April 1st It is the tradition of Saint Paul’s
our literacy efforts, we will also
You and your family are invited UMC to give special offerings in donate expanded literacy re-
to Easter morning worship at celebration of Easter and
Christmas. This generous giving sources to the Garlough library,
either 8:30 or 10:30 am on
Sunday, April 1st. above and beyond our ordinary including Spanish-language
books to encourage
At 9:45 am we will have family pledges allow for extra support for parent-student reading in homes
-friendly fun and activities the mission of the church to make
disciples of Jesus Christ for the with Spanish-speaking parents.
including an EASTER EGG Camping/Retreat
HUNT, BALLOONS, BRUNCH, a transformation of the world. This Scholarships
turn at the GUESSING JAR AND year’s special Easter offering will Our confirmation program is
CHILDREN'S FACE PAINTING. go toward three areas:
growing, and we are happy to
Literacy Resources
Invite friends and family to join have more students going on a
for Garlough School
you on this day! Our partnership with Garlough confirmation retreat at Camp
School is making a significant Koronis this year. The special
difference in the lives of many offering will help support that
children. In addition to retreat and partial scholarships
nutrition through Sheridan for other United Methodist
Story, parent support through camping opportunities during
help with Parents In Education the summer.
General Fund
(PIE) nights, and teacher appre-
ciation with an annual luncheon, Part of the Easter offering will
this year we also have Reading go toward support of the
Buddy volunteers in many general budget at Saint Paul’s
United Methodist Church.
651-452-5683 | info@stpaulsmn.org | www.stpaulsmn.org Page 2
Epistle April 2018
CHRIS’ CORNER us. Not just from the church. God is listen and ask questions. From my
speaking to us through MANY heroes and people I agree with. And
elpizosfire@gmail.com
things including the outdoors, even from those I don't .Because
651-925-4172
music, friends, the heavens, maybe my enemies have things to
I Be-Live in Jesus Christ artwork, animals, parties and teach me as do my friends.
One of the things I make as a babies. God can also speak through
regular spiritual practice in my life some very unusual messengers like So whether you agree with my
is to ask myself every two to three pain, personal failure and even beliefs or not is irrelevant to the
years a question and answer with death. But am I listening? point of the exercise. The point is to
complete honesty. The question is, say this is simply where I am at on
"What do I believe?" No wishy- I believe in prayer. Not like it's a MY journey, TODAY. What do
washy-ness. No flim-flam. So, I magic incantation that fixes things you believe today about the most
have compiled a list of what I immediately. I believe prayer is important things of your life? How
believe about certain things related much more a partnership with a will you be-live those things out?
to my faith, life and general God of action and compassion. I I will end with this prayer for all of
practices. And also, ways I am believe WE are the answer we have us.
trying to BE/LIVE those beliefs. been waiting for. God is waiting to
Believing without be-living is all see our hearts of prayer to be
mental gymnastics that leave us revealed so he can send US to help
exhausted and self deceived. fix our broken world. "I ask God to strengthen you
Be-living takes us where the shoes by his Spirit—
I believe inthe church. Even
of our faith meets the hard concrete not a brute strength
though its full of broken and flawed
of reality. The place where we walk but a glorious inner
people (like myself) God is work-
it all out. So here is a small strength—
ing with us and utilizing us in our
sampling of my beliefs and that Christ will live in you as
brokenness to write a message of
be-living. To the best of my you open the door
love to the world. Every day I pick
ability..... and invite him in.
up my broken pencil and try to,
I believe people are to be loved. although often feebly, scribble out And I ask him that
Things are to be used. But often we a message of love and hope for with both feet planted
love things and use others. firmly on love,
people instead. Its costs us credibil- you’ll be able to
ity in the world’s eyes. People take in with
come in the doors of the church to all followers of Jesus
be loved. It costs us our soul if we the extravagant dimensions
settle for loving things. of Christ’s love.
Reach out and
I believe that the resurrection of experience the breadth!
Christ is about much more than Test its length!
God raising Jesus from a cold and Plumb the depths!
dark tomb somewhere in ancient Rise to the heights!
history. It's about raising ME from I believe in lifelong learning. We Live full lives,
my dark, and cold existence to a never stop . We die not just when full in the fullness of God."
life of vibrancy and hope. In the our bodies give out but when our
now. Today. minds and hearts turn off to new
information, understanding and
I believe that God is speaking to Amen!
humility. Thus I continue to read,
651-452-5683 | info@stpaulsmn.org | www.stpaulsmn.org Page 3
Epistle April 2018
CHILDREN CONFIRMATION
Things we learned...
FAMILY MINISTRY
There are people hurting in our
APRIL CALENDAR
AND YOUTH own community.
There are good organizations
Apr. 1 Easter worship
brunch, egg hunt,
Helping families that God is using to meet their
needs, like Emma Norton
etc. (see page 2)
nurture lifelong Services. Apr. 8 Kidz 2gether 10:30 am
The gift of simply being present Worship
disciples of Christ with someone in their struggle VBS Meeting 11:45 am
is POWERFUL.
Apr. 11 Confirmation 6:00 pm
Confirmands at St. Paul's are on a and dinner
path of discovery and learning Apr. 14 Health Church 10:00 am
about the Christian faith in the
Initiative - 4:00 pm
Methodist tradition.
Apr. 15 Family 11:30 am
CAMPING Ministry Team
United Methodist Camping oppor- Meeting
tunities are available for Summer
Apr. 21 Rummage 9:00 am
2018. Check out the camping
options online at https:// Sale
www.campminnesota.org/ or find Apr. 22 Mission 11:30 am
one of the catalogues located Trip Meeting
around the church. You can also
#1
speak with Chris Archer at
elpizosfire@gmail.com or Apr. 27 Youth Lock-in 6:00 pm
651-925-4172.
Apr. 29 Bible Bucks 9:30 am
Scholarships may be available!
Store
Yard games 11:30 am
SAVE THE DATE
FOR VACATION
BIBLE SCHOOL
Vacation Bible School is returning
to St Paul's UMC in 2018! This
year's theme is "Hero Central". The
dates are June 25th-29th. Sign up
today in church or contact the
Director of Family Ministry and
Mission, Chris Archer at
elpizosfire@gmail.com for more
details. We also need many
VOLUNTEERS to help us this
year.
651-452-5683 | info@stpaulsmn.org | www.stpaulsmn.org Page 4
Epistle April 2018
YEAR OF MUSIC
2018 will be the Year of Music at Saint Paul’s UMC, with
special musical guests in worship services monthly, as well as
a free concert series. The concert is free, but tickets are
required. You may find them on the narthex table or call the
office, 651-452-5683, to reserve your seat.
Concert 2:
Don Irwin, piano, Saturday, April 28, 2018, 7:00 pm
Join us for a spiritually moving and joy-filled piano
concert. Don is a classically trained pianist, performing a
wide, varied repertoire of different styles of music. His
virtuosic skill will amaze, energize, and inspire us!
Musicians during worship in April:
Laurie McFaul, violin, April 1st
Linda Breitag & Ray Makeever, violin & flute, April 15th
Charles Scarborough, piano, April 22nd
GROWING THROUGH LOSS
Growing Through Loss provides support for adults who have experienced a loss, information about the
grieving process, caring and support from others who are also grieving, and sharing of memories and feelings
in a confidential setting.
Location:
St. James Lutheran Church
3650 Williams Drive
Burnsville MN 55337
952-890-4534
Time: Tuesdays, 7:00—9:00 pm
Dates:
April 3: “Living and Laughing Through Grief”
April 10: “Understanding And Engaging With Grief”
April 17: “I Choose Life”
April 24: “What Do We Do With These Feelings?”
May 1: “Evening of Remembrance”
All Sessions: Registration, 6:30 pm; Speaker, 7:00 pm; Support Groups 8:00 - 9:00 pm.
Suggested donation: $3.00 per session. All proceeds support the Growing Through Loss ministry.
For additional information, call 651-452-8261 or e-mail growingthroughloss@gmail.com
651-452-5683 | info@stpaulsmn.org | www.stpaulsmn.org Page 5
Epistle April 2018
GARLOUGH SCHOOL
SUCCESSFUL St. Paul’s UMC will be
volunteering with Garlough
LEARNING Elementary School’s Sheridan
Story, the program of packing
weekend food in to backpacks, for
Helping two weeks in April.
young We need four (4) volunteers on two
Fridays each—April 6th and 13th.
students Volunteers meet at 8:30 am and it
takes about 45 minutes. If you can
find success help, please sign up on the bulletin
board outside the Bertlesen Library
or contact Carol Egan, 651-452-
5161, or merryhands@gmail.com.
Garlough is located at 1740
Charlton St., West St. Paul.
Rachel how these two practices can heal
SMALL Rachel Circle will meet at Andrea stress. She is the owner of Center
for a Balanced Life in West St Paul.
Larson’s home on April 16th at
GROUPS 7:00 pm. Questions? Contact Barb
Jorgenson, 651-414-0054.
Refreshments will be served.
UMW SUNDAY
United with Rebekah On Sunday, April 29th, the United
Please consider joining Rebekah Methodist Women will provide
purpose Circle on April 18th at 11:00 am at worship planning and leadership for
church. Questions? Call Beda Saint Paul’s UMC. Mark your
Lewis at 651-554-3600. calendars for this special day.
Ruth MEN’S GROUP
Ruth Circle will meet April 16th,
The Men's Group will have their
12:30 pm, at church. Questions?
dinner meeting on April 15th at 6:30
Contact Nancy Kane,
pm at church . They will discuss
651-457-8376.
fund raising for mission projects.
UMW SPEAKER After the church service on April
On Monday, April 2nd, St. Paul’s 15th , Men's Group representatives
UMW invites everyone to hear will meet with Pastor Amy Jo to
Sister Janine Rajkowski speak on discuss the projects. Any questions
accupressure and massage please contact Dick Robinson at
practices. Her presentation at 651-207-8643 or email him at
church (6:30-7:00 pm) discusses dickrobinson2@msn.com.
UMW CIRCLES
651-452-5683 | info@stpaulsmn.org | www.stpaulsmn.org Page 6
Epistle April 2018
POTATO BAR
REACHING FUNDRAISER REPORT
The 2018 Mission Trip and Potato
OUT Bar Fundraiser raised $522 this
year. Yay! This will go towards
Living our faith helping send some of our
missioners back to the Spirit Lake The Minnesota Foodshare
and connecting ministry center in North Dakota. Campaign wraps up on April 8th.
Thank you again for your support There is still time to donate
with our and generosity! towards our goal of filling five (5)
barrels with food items and
neighbors MISSION TRIP collecting cash donations of
$500. For donations of money,
SUMMER 2018 make the check payable to St
This summer St. Paul's UMC will Paul’s UMC and write on memo
be returning to Spirit Lake line “Neighbors”.
Catey Chastain painting Ministry Center to work with our
during the 2017 mission trip. native brothers and sisters in North This year, Chris Archer, The
Dakota. This will be an Director of Family Ministry and
intergenerational mission trip Mission has said that if we meet
taking both youth in our our Minnesota FoodShare goals
confirmation program and older that he would do one of three
adults. This trip will offer many things.
different opportunities to serve.
The dates of the mission trip are Shave off all of his facial hair
June 10th-15th. This mission trip for a month ( not including
costs about $400. It is fun and eyebrows)
within a day's drive from the Twin Color his hair for a month.
Cities. You’re invited! Wanna go Color to be determined by the
with us "in spirit" because your congregation.
flesh can't attend this year? Wear nothing but dress suits
Become a prayer partner. Contact for four (4) straight Sundays
Chris Archer, The Director of from mid - April to mid - May
Mission at elpizosfire@gmail or during worship.
651-452-5683. The congregation will have a
chance to vote each Sunday during
FOOD SHELF NEEDS worship. You will be able to
soup (any kind, even tomato) indicate your preference on the
hygiene products communication blue card inserted
pancake mix and pancake syrup in your Sunday bulletin. You must
Hamburger Helper be present to participate.
canned veggies (especially corn)
canned fruit
651-452-5683 | info@stpaulsmn.org | www.stpaulsmn.org Page 7
Epistle April 2018
ADULT EDUCATION,
BERTLESEN LIBRARY
SUNDAYS, 9:30 am
Classes in April will focus on,
Women Who Changed the World.
Apr. 1 No meeting (Easter)
Apr. 8 Emily Dickinson
Apr. 15 Rosa Parks SATURDAY
Apr. 22 Helen Keller
Apr. 29 Mother Theresa APRIL 21st
9:00 am—1:00 pm
ADULT EDUCATION
ST. PAUL’S UMC
WEDNESDAY BOOK
700 WESLEY LANE
GROUP MENDOTA HEIGHTS
We continue to discuss David
Brook’s book, The Road to Used adult and
Character. This is a best-selling
down to earth book on achieving
children’s clothing, kitchen
true character. Owning a book is items, toys, books, linens,
not necessary. We will meet in jewelry, and much more.
the Fellowship Hall at noon. Bring your objects to church
Bring a sandwich. Charles Monday, April 16th—to set up
Duddingston will lead the day, Friday, April 20th, at 9:00
Program.
am.
Apr. 4 George Eliot
Apr. 11 Augustine We will not accept furniture,
Apr. 18 Samuel Johnson Christmas trees, cribs, high
Apr. 25 John Unitas/Joe Namath chairs, car seats, appliances,
humidifiers/dehumidifiers,
LIFE AFTER HATE light fixtures, curtain rods,
APRIL 13th, 7:00-9:00 pm blinds, computers and other
CHAMPLIN UMC electronics and microwaves.
Attend an evening with Christian Please keep Christmas
Picciolini, a peace activist and decorations until the Fall
author of White American Youth: Rummage Sale.
My Descent into America's Most
Violent Hate Movement—and
How I Got Out. He is also co-
founder of the nonprofit Life
After Hate, which helps people
disengage from violet extremist
ideologies. All donations
benefit missions.
651-452-5683 | info@stpaulsmn.org | www.stpaulsmn.org Page 8
Epistle April 2018
Please pray for the following:
Joys:
Chrisana Tripodi’s new full-time position as a Reading Fellow
Deaths:
Randy’s only child, Emily, February 25th
Millie Smith, aunt of Barb Helmken, March 14th
Health Concerns:
Carol Rix for healing and positive outcomes for recovery from additional knee surgery
Sam Young for healing from eye surgery
Roxy Crane broke her wrist
Jo Reck’s friend, Sherry, dealing with cancers
Barb Jorgenson’s brother’s sister-in-law, Jane, needs a liver transplant. For friends dealing with mental
health issues
Ben Pressnall as he undergoes radiation treatments for prostate cancer
Barb Helmken’s friend, Mary, diagnosed with breast cancer; Irma and Herb with multiple health issues
Nancy Grinager’s sister, Liz recovering from successful cancer surgery, and sister-in-law, Dedra,
diagnosed with cancer
Cheryl Anderson’s Tai Chi instructor, Keith, recovering from stroke and paralyzed
Diane Edgell’s sister and Willis’ sister-in-law, Darlene, diagnosed with pancreatic cancer
Willis and Diane Edgell’s niece, Tracy, with cancer
John Moffitt, Jerry’s twin, dealing with pain after hip surgery last winter
Yeen Chong’s co-worker, Clara, with leukemia
Jo Daugherty and Della Relation for health concerns and continued healing
Additional:
Guidance and strength to make healthier choices
Victims of the most recent school shooting and bombings in Austin
Peace for the people of North Korea
For mothers to be reunited with their children
Please call the office with joys and concerns.
651-452-5683 | info@stpaulsmn.org | www.stpaulsmn.org Page 9
Epistle April 2018
SUNDAY SCHEDULE DaveRix
Education Hour for All 9:30 am dave.rix59@gmail.com
Worship: 10:30 am
Bob Walker
nd
2 SUNDAYS SCHEDULE is our new
Education Hour for All: 9:30 am Financial Secretary
Kidz 2gether Worship: 10:30 am
Brunch: 11:30 am
Communion will be offered the 1st
and 2nd Sundays of every month.
OFFICE HOURS:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 am - noon
CHRIS’ OFFICE HOURS:
Monday - Thursday, 8:00 am -
5:00 pm
CHURCH COUNCIL CHAIR:
Leslie Watkins
The church office will be closed
ST. PAUL’S STAFF: Monday, April 2nd.
Pastor: Rev. Amy Jo Bur,
pastor@stpaulsmn.org
Confirmation Sunday
Director of Family and Mission May 20, 2018
Ministries, Chris Archer,
elpizosfire@gmail.com
Director of Music Ministry,
Lane Skoglund-Anderson,
laneskoglundanderson@gmail.com
Administrative Assistant: Diane
Pelinka, info@stpaulsmn.org
651-452-5683 info@stpaulsmn.org | www.stpaulsmn.org Page 10Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 Easter 2 3 4 5 6 7
8:30 and 10:30 am Office closed 6:00 pm Yoga 12:00 pm Wednesday 8:30 am Fit
Worship Book Group Moms 4 Life
6:30 pm UMW
9:30 am Brunch, Egg 6:00 pm Handbell Choir
Speaker
Hunt, other fun!
7:00 pm Chancel Choir
6:30 pm Al-Anon
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
9:30 am Education Hour 6:00 pm Finance 6:00 pm Yoga 12:00 pm Wednesday 10:00 am Quilters 8:30 am Fit
for all w/ Adult Ed— Team Mtg Book Group Moms 4 Life
10:30 am Kidz 2gether 6:00 pm Confirmation
10:00 am HCI
Worship w/Communion
6:00 pm Handbell Choir Workshop, Mora
11:45 am VBS Mtg UMC
7:00 pm Chancel Choir
6:30 pm Al-Anon
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
9:30 am Education Hour 12:30 pm Ruth 11:00 am Rebekah Circle, Newsletter 9:00 pm Rummage
6:00 pm Yoga
Circle, church church Deadline Sale
10:30 am Worship w/
Mission Moment 7:00 pm Rachel 12:00 pm Wednesday
9:00 am
Circle, Andrea Book Group
11:30 am Family Rummage Sale
Larson’s house
Ministry Mtg 6:00 pm Handbell Choir Set Up
6:45 pm 4H
6:30 pm Men’s Group, 7:00 pm Chancel Choir
church
6:30 pm Al-Anon
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
9:30 am Education Hour 6:00 pm SPRC Mtg 12:00 pm Wednesday 6:00 pm 8:30 am Fit
6:00 pm Yoga
Book Group Youth Lock-in Moms 4 Life
10:30 am Worship
6:00 pm Handbell Choir 7:00 pm Don Irwin
11:30 am Mission Trip
Concert
Mtg 7:00 pm Chancel Choir
6:30 pm Al-Anon
29 UMW Sunday 30 Italicized events are conducted by outside groups renting space at the
9:30 am Education church.
Hour w/ Bible Bucks
Store
10:30 am Worship
11:30 am Yard games
651-452-5683 info@stpaulsmn.org | www.stpaulsmn.org Page 11St. Paul’s United Methodist Church NON PROFIT ORG.
700 Wesley Lane US POSTAGE PAID
Mendota Heights MN 55118 TWIN CITIES MN
Phone: 651-452-5683 PERMIT #2316
Email: info@stpaulsmn.org
Address Service Requested
Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors
The People of the United Methodist Church®
APRIL 1st APRIL 21st
8:30 am and 10:30 am - Worship 9:00 am—1:00 pm
9:30 am - Brunch, Egg Hunt, and other
fun things!You can also read
