St. Paul Lutheran Church

2014 NewsletterPhone: 532-3784

Email:stpaul@itctel.comwww.itctel.com/stpaul

Follow us on Facebook:St. Paul Lutheran Church

Come and worship!Sunday worship at 8:30 am with fellowship to follow.

Community Vacation Bible School

Back:*Jocee Nelson, Chantell Wren, Kayla Flora*Emma Rahm, Brooke Rahm, Jordyn Maynard, Cole Heinman, Jenna Gaddis, Page Rahm, Jessica Temple*Marissa Hoeke, Emmah Mitchell, Ashleigh Moeller, Summer Seefeldt, Savannah Hinker, Preston Sundvold, Turner Fjelland*Cayden Binger, Drew Hoeke, Ali Kretzschmer, Nevaeh Rusher*Hannah Heinman, Mason Hinker, Christopher Venjohn, Justyce Brimus, Alivia Gehrke*Kooper Rahm, Kayden Janisch, Jarrett Maynard, Logan Seefeldt

July 2014Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3 4 55:30-6:30pm- WOW SSS Ten Commandment Boot Camp6:30-7:30 pm- SSS choir practice

NO BIBLE STUDY

6 7 8 9 10 11 128:30 am- Worship with communion9:30 am- fellowship

7:30 pm-AA 5:30-6:30pm- WOW SSS Ten CommandmentBoot Camp6:30-7:30 pm- SSS choir practice 6:00 pm- Council

9:00 am-Bible study

13 14 15 16 17 18 198:30 am- Worship 9:30 am- fellowship

7:30 pm-AA 6:00 pm- Ladies Night Out-Church Basement Ladies with meal

9:00 am-Bible study

20 21 22 23 24 25 268:30 am- Outdoor Worship Service with communion9:30 am- fellowship-FIA group 3 meets

7:30 pm-AA 5:30-6:30pm- WOW SSS Ten CommandmentBoot Camp6:30-7:30 pm- SSS choir practice

9:00 am-Bible study

3:00-10:00 pm- Church reserved

27 28 29 30 318:30 am- Worship 9:30 am- fellowship and church chat

6:00 pm-Cl Com Fel Meal7:30 pm-AA

9:00 am- Sewing Day5:30-6:30pm- WOW SSS Ten CommandmentBoot Camp6:30-7:30 pm- SSS choir practice

St. Paul Lutheran Newsletter

************************************************************************************************************Living in grace, growing in grace, sharing God’s grace with others.

July 2014************************************************************************************************************

Pastor’s Page

And he said to them “Come away by yourselves to a lonely place, and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a lonely place by themselves. Mark 6:31-32

Jesus was a very popular figure in first century Palestine. The word got around. Not only was he a gifted speaker but he could cure any disease or physical ailment. The crowds never let up. They were after him day and night. Celebrities and big name musicians know the feeling. They could be booked seven nights a week if they wanted.

Jesus wasn't afraid to say no; to walk away from the crowds now and then and take a break. In the verses leading up to the ones above his good friend John the Baptizer had been killed by King Herod. The disciples reported this to Jesus, and he invited them to come away for a break, a much needed rest. They needed some time alone to recover from their loss.

You and I need to take some time off and “get away from it all” periodically as well. Nonstop work drains and depletes us. It is not healthy to see the same people and same surroundings week after week, month after month. Ancient Israel realized that, and its opening story mentions that God created for six days and rested on the seventh day – Genesis 2:2-3. God hallowed that seventh day. Gave the human race a one day vacation every week, knowing we would need it. When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the Ten Commandments the third one said “Remember the sabbath day and keep it holy.” How? Rest and worship. Rest and worship.

In addition to the weekly break a more extended one is also needed. Until my dying day I will remember our family vacation trip in the 1950's. Like all family farms there was always work that needed to be done – especially in the summer. When my oldest brother was old enough to keep things covered for a week or so he went on a trip with an aunt and uncle and cousins, then did the work at home so the rest of our family could be gone. We went to the Black Hills, stayed in a cabin, saw Mount Rushmore. My other siblings and I had our parents to ourselves! No constant distractions of farm work. It was so relaxing and enjoyable!

My Mennonite friends are good at that. Their top priorities are God and family. Right in the middle of summer when the corn is growing and the hay is baled they will ask a neighbor to keep an eye on things for them. They pack up and the whole family is gone for ten days. They are together as a family and the focus is on each other and having an enjoyable time together without any distractions. In my premarriage sessions with young couples we talk about stage four of marriage, renewal and recommitment. One of the things included in that stage is family vacation time. A couple/family needs time away from work, neighbors, relatives, TV, computer, to reaffirm and strengthen the bonds between them.

So go away by yourselves (in a boat?) to a lonely place and rest a while sometime this summer. Our work doesn't deserve anywhere near the high place we give it. We act like the world can't get along without us. Guess what. So we might as well take a break, do something relaxing, and be with the people we love. Jesus did that.

Council ReportDate: June 11

The St Paul Council meeting was called to order at: 6:03 by Tammie Paulson

Pastor Gary led with Bible Study, focusing on the Trinity. We looked at several verses during our study.Members Present: Terri Cordrey, Keith Zobel, Ruth Haugerud, Tammie Paulson, Rod Clausen, Joyce Fjelland, Barb SchlueterOthers present: Deb Schlagel, Pastor GarySecretary Report:Approved by: Rod Clausen Seconded by: Keith Zobel PassedTreasurer’s Report:Approved by: Ruth Haugerud Seconded by: Barb Schlueter Motion carriedAgenda:AdditionNew Business additions: Outdoor service June 22, Potato Day Service, Council meeting timeApproved by: Barb Schlueter Seconded by: Joyce Fjelland Motion carriedParish Ed ReportNO ACTIONDeacons ReportNO ACTIONTrustees ReportNO ACTIONOld BusinessDiscussion on renting the parsonage. Income coming in very beneficial. Parsonage committee is working on a renter’s agreement for us to follow before renting to our next tenant New Business There was a request to borrow metal chairs. Discussion led us to following our current guidelines which are

to not loan out chairs. On June 22 the council members and the call committee members will be meeting with the Florence council

at Florence. We will be having an outdoor service in our front lawn on June 22. Bring lawn chairs, dress casual and

enjoy the worship. Sharon Stormo will be providing music with her keyboard. Terry Schlagel will set up the sound system. Coffee fellowship will be downstairs following worship but coffee will be available during the service.

Potato Day ecumenical service was discussed. The council is looking into the time and other churches participating. Pastor Gary is willing to rearrange times, if necessary, so that he can participate in this service on Sunday August 2nd. Further information to follow.

Meeting time of the council was discussed and it was decided to leave our meeting time at 6:00pm.

Next meeting scheduled for July 9th at 6pm

Closing prayer: Ruth HaugerudNext month: Kathy McHenrySubmitted by council secretary: Tammie Paulson

June FinancialsCHECKING BALANCE ON HAND -May 31, 2013 $24,198.92

INCOME: ENVELOPE OFFERINGS $ 7,291.00 LOOSE OFFERINGS $ 198.00 LENTEN OFFERINGS $ - *MISCELLANEOUS $ -

$ 7,489.00

TOTAL TO BE ACCOUNTED FOR $ 31,687.92

LESS EXPENSES $8,112.50

CHECKING ACCT BALANCE - June 30, 2013 $23,575.42 CD'S -June 30, 2013 $45,252.38 MONEY MARKET SAVINGS ACCT - June 13, 2013 $579.39 TOTAL CASH ON HAND - June 30, 2013 $69,407.19

CAMEROON ROOF PROJECT

With matching funds, the total donated is $7,399.09, almost enough for a complete roof! Goal is $8,000.

Great job St. Paul Lutheran! Thanks!

KEEP IN YOUR PRAYERSTHOSE IN CARE CENTERS AND ASSISTED LIVING CENTERS: Ralph Johnston, Myrtle Cornelius, Helen Peterson, Louise Bjerke, Irene Seefeldt, Art Paglush, Dorothy Peterson, Lavonne Brekke, Thelma Wicks and Hazel Ness.THOSE IN NEED OF CONTINUED PRAYERS: Milo Richter, Gene Furness, and Cheryl SwansonTHOSE IN THE MILITARY: Joseph Kirkeby, Brandon Clausen and Alex McHenry *Please contact the office 3784 to add or remove a name from the list.

July BirthdaysJuly 2 – Joan Furness July 15 –Ralph Johnston, Shirley Seefeldt, Hayden McHenryJuly 3 – Samantha Hoffman July 16 – Nina TroskeJuly 4 – Bailey Hurlbert July 17 – Nathan Smith, Roger HelkennJuly 5 – Mike Fuller, Ruth Haugerud, Talyn Ortberg July 19 – Nancy HelkennJuly 7 – Trynlee Ortberg July 21 – David Wren, Ashleigh MoellerJuly 8 – Brad Temple July 22 – Barb Aalbers, Jennifer Cornelius, Sherry SwansonJuly 10 – Kris Florey July 23 – Diana Flora, Jo Pederson

July 11 – Donette Warkenthien, Karen Ceisel July 25 – Karla ClaussenJuly 12 – Heather Brekke, Jim Orris, Conner Mudgett July 27 – Hudson McHenry, Chelsie GehrkeJuly 13 – Michael Flora July 29 – Janelle PaulsonJuly 14 – Zachary Seefeldt, Cedric Seefeldt July 30 – Sharon Larson, Gannon Florey, Evan Stromsness

July 31 – Caitlyn Mudgett

***************************************************************************************************************************FAITH IN ACTION

The “Faith in Action” program consists of seven groups that perform many tasks on a Sunday morning such as greeting, ushering, reading the scriptures, and serving coffee fellowship. With sincere appreciation we thank everyone for taking part and working together. If you are not involved in a group and would like to be, please call the church office and we will be happy to place you. Special thanks to FIA Group #1 for assisting during the month of June. Shirley Brenden Dale and LaVonne HelkennTodd Brenden Mark HelkennRod and Lisa Clausen Nancy HelkennNichole Daphne, Emily Carmen KlosterMichael and Rae Jean Flora, Michaela Sandy LukeLois Fuller Bruce and Lisa Paulson, Kathryn, JeffreyDan and Janet Gehrke, Chelsie, Brandan, Alivia Shirley SeefeldtJerry and Robin Hartley, Braxton, Cooper, Taylor Gregg and Sharon Stormo***************************************************************************************************************************

WELCA TRAVELS TO JOY RANCHLadies attending pictured left to right: Front: Mildred Olson and Grace Paulson. Middle row: Joy Wookey, Deb Schlagel, Marianne Geise, Pam Seefeldt. Back: Sharon Larson, Barb Schlueter.

Eight ladies traveled to Joy Ranch on June 18th for the regular WELCA meeting.  The Bible Study was given by Pam Seefeldt entitled "Of Many Generations" based on Luke 39.

  We were reminded of our July 16th meeting which will feature a meal served at 6pm followed by a program from "The Church Basement Ladies" of Clear Lake.  Tickets cost $10.00 for the evening of food, fellowship and entertainment.  Cakes are needed for the dessert.  The profits from this will be given to the youth for any mission trips or gatherings in the future.   Mission Action reported 6 quilts had been sewn with 7 ladies present.  Offering was taken and given to Joy Ranch as a donation.  Barb Schlueter

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BABY CARE KITSThese Baby Care Kit items will be collected in July: *July 6 : socks –larger sizes *July 13: hand towels-dark color recommended*July 20: bath-size bars 4-5 oz. – gentle soap in original wrappers*July 27: diaper pins or large safety pins, cloth diapers, flat folded preferred

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Ladies’ Night In the Church BasementSt. Paul Luther Church Basement Ladies of Clear Lake presenting:

“TABLE TALK”What: performance and a cool 60’s style supperWhen: Wednesday, July 16 with supper at 6:00 pm and performance at 7:00 pmCost: $10 per personCall St. Paul Church for tickets 532-3784 or available at Clark Family Dental Center.

Proceeds to benefit youth mission trips and gatherings.

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Thrivent is collecting school supplies for the ICAP Project for youth in the community who are

unable to purchase their own. Anyone wanting to donate supplies can drop them off at the ICAP Center, the church office or in the box in the narthex of the church. Supplies need to be in on Sunday, July 27. A list of the items needed is below. Your help would be appreciated.book bags round Fiskar scissors Spiral notebooks-college ruledflash drive hand sanitizer Crayola washable marker-broadPrang watercolor paints Clorox wipes headphones or ear budsCrayola markers-fine plastic school boxes pointed Fiskar scissorszippered pencil pouches 2 x 2 post it notes fine point black Sharpie markers3 x 3 post it notes 2” – 3 ring binder pocket folders with just pockets1 ½ “ – 3 ring binder 1” – 3 ring binder pocket folders with inside clips3” – 3 ring binder colored pencils quart Ziploc bagsred ballpoint pens calculators highlighter set (green, yellow, red, blue)steno notebooks rubber cement small stapler and staplesscotch tape paper punch -1 hole 3 x 5 index cardsclear page protectors compass protractorswater bottle/screw top dry eraser markers (no yellow)

YOUTH INFO Sunday School

*July-We are planning a Sunday at Memorial Park at Lake Kampseka for the kids. We will attend the church service and then have an outdoor Sunday school class and sing along. We will eat and swim the rest of the afternoon. Please watch the bulletin and facebook for more information. We will need volunteers to drive. *We will be starting our Words on Wednesday again, (summer Sunday school). Our theme this summer is Tough Enough to Do Ten, Bootcamp for the Ten Commandments. We will meet on Wednesday, July 2, 9 23 and 30 from 5:30-6:30 pm. Commander Rob McGraw has agreed to be our drill sergeant. If you’re tough enough to come and join us!! Wimps need not apply. (Only kidding). *We will also be starting a summer youth worship choir, practice will be right after Sunday school from 6:30-7:30 pm. We hope to do some fun things and add instruments to our songs of praise to our Lord. Everyone is welcome, youth and adults.***************************************************************************************************************************

Community Vacation Bible SchoolA great time was had by all learning about Jesus and how he loves us! About 27 students attended daily and did many fun activities. Thanks to Christina Flora for being the coordinator of VBS and to all of her helpers Kyla Flora, Chelsie Gehrke, Jocee Nelson, Chantell Wren, Pastor Gary and Karen Ceisel. Also thank you to everyone who brought juice and treats: Rae Jean Flora, Lisa Moeller, Kathy Tollefson, Karen Ceisel, Kristin Janisch, Mildred Olson, Joyce Warren, Barb Schlueter, Anna Kirkeby, Deb Schlagel, Bev Kluess, Tami Sundvold and Greg Furness. Also thanks to the parents for bring your kids and to the kids for coming and to the kids for being such a good bunch. God bless you all!*************************************************************************************************************

WOW --Words on WednesdayPresents

Tough Enough to Do Ten10 Commandment Boot Camp

Wednesday Night 5:30-6:30- July 2,9,23, and 30Things we will do:

Memorize the 10 commandments, learn to live by themOur drill sergeant will have everyone doing push up, sit ups, running,

jumping and marching to the Ten CommandmentsReasons to attend bootcamp are:

1) If you don’t know the 10 commandments you can’t live by them.2) The Bible tells us; Train up a child in the way he should go: and

when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:63) It will be a fun way of learning the Ten Commandments.

4) It is important to keep God in our lives 5) It is only 1 hour out of 168 hours in your week.

This class is open to kids and their parents or anyone that would like to attend.

Pre-registration is required so please call the office or send an email to stpaul@itctel.com or 605-532-3784 before June 25.

Following WOW we will have summer choir practice from 6:30-7:30, everyone is also welcomed, youth and adults.