St. Paul Epistle
www.stpaul.org Volume 99, Issue 3 June 1999
"Blessed are they who hear the word of God and keep it!" (Luke 11:28)
Listen!
In a world that is so filled with anger and heartache and pain, it is time to listen to a word of authority ... a word of wisdom. It is time to listen to the Word ... the Word that spoke once for all in Christ ... that Word this is Christ ... the Word that still speaks to us today. It speaks - He speaks.
Listen!
It speaks - He speaks to the broken of healing in Christ.
It speaks - He speaks to the sinful of forgiveness in Christ.
It speaks - He speaks to the anxious of peace in Christ.
It speaks - He speaks to the restless of rest in Christ.
It speaks - He speaks to the weak of strength in Christ.
It speaks - He speaks to the grieving of hope in Christ.
Grace and Peace to you as you Listen to Him,
Rev. Daniel Deutsch, Pastor
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Pastoral Ramblings
A monthly (or seasonal, as the case may be) rambling of thoughts ... thanks ... things coming up ... things to think about, etc.
Babies and Baptism - The Sacrament of Holy Baptism is a special event in the lives of the child, the family, the godparents and the church. In order to help us better understand what God is doing through the Sacrament, there will be regular 1-hour classes led by trained teachers that will be held throughout the year. These classes will include a video, a review of the service of Holy Baptism and an opportunity to ask questions about this Sacrament. Parents and godparents are both invited to come to these meetings. Most of us who look forward to having a baby spend time in various kinds of birthing classes or parent-to-be classes to help us prepare for the event. The church also needs to prepare us for the event of new birth through the waters of Holy Baptism. If you are expecting a child in the coming months or have recently given birth, you are asked to call the church office to sign-up for one of the following classes being offered this year: June 27, August 22, October 24, December 12 and February 27, 2000 All classes will meet during the SS hour (9:15-10:15 a.m.) in the library on the 2nd floor of the educational building. These dates will continue to be published in the weekly bulletins and the newsletter.
Emergencies - if you have need of emergency pastoral care and I am out-of-town or unavailable for any reason, please call Rev. Owen Williams at (356-0957), Rev. Doug McCormick at 736-3642 or Rev. Lorraine Sundin at 356-5879. Owen is Pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Alpena, Doug is Pastor of New Life Lutheran Church in Hubbard Lake and Lorraine is Pastor of Spruce Lutheran Church. They have all agreed to be available for emergency pastoral needs.
Church Council met on Saturday, April 10, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for their annual Retreat. A full report on recommendations and decisions made at the retreat will be made to the congregation after each worship service on June 12/13. Discussions for the day included prior year goals, achievements and shortcomings; the Worship surveys and their results; a Stewardship program entitled "Simply Giving"; the R & R program, ways to publicize the work and accomplishments and future needs; the Trust Fund and disbursing of interest earned in accordance with the wishes of the donees, and the publicizing of the Trust Fund with a new brochure; new Outreach programs including advertising campaigns through print, radio and TV; a review of the most recent Call Committee meeting and a discussion of staffing needs and possibilities; and review of the Vision for Ministry document and a look at our future plans and hopes and dreams. Please be patient as all of this information is put together and shared with you through future newsletters and Temple Talks. If you have any immediate questions or concerns, please feel free to speak with me or any member of the Church Council. Church Council minutes are posted on the kiosk.
Visiting Elderly and Shut-in Members - A group of people has begun a program of visiting and getting to know some of our elderly and shut-in members. You are invited to contact the church office if you would like to be visited or if you are in need of transportation to worship services. We can also always use new volunteers to make personal or telephone calls. Please keep this new program in your prayers. Thanks!
Graduates - We look forward to honoring and worshiping with our High School graduates on Sunday, June 6, at the 9:20 a.m. service.
Hospital calls - If you or a loved one is going to be in the hospital for surgery, tests, etc., please call the church office to let us know. We will add you to the published prayer list in the bulletin (if you wish) so that others can join in prayers for you. Also let the church office know if you would like me to call on you for prayer while you are at the hospital. Thanks for helping us out with this important ministry.
Trust Fund Brochure - Enclosed with this newsletter you will find a new brochure produced by the Trust Fund Committee of St. Paul. Please take a moment to read the brochure. Several years ago, a Trust Fund was established at St. Paul for the purpose of receiving large bequests and gifts to enhance the mission and ministry of our congregation ... and also to provide an avenue for people to continue to affect the future of St. Paul even after they had joined the Lord Jesus in eternity. If you have questions about the benefits of this kind of giving, you might talk with Ted and Erma Gray since they began this process with the giving of several large gifts.
God's richest blessings to each of you as we remember and celebrate the great events of our Christian faith this coming month!
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Attention All Women! The Synod Women's Convention/Retreat will be September 24 - 26 at Boyne Mountain Resort, Boyne, Michigan. It is entitled "Set Free by God's Grace." More information will follow in the next newsletter and church bulletins.
PASTORAL ACTS
EDWARD D. JAGST AND SARAH J. GOUDY were married May 22, 1999. They were attended by Lynn Brege and Joel Freiberg.
BRUCE E.GRAHAM was baptized on March 29, 1999,
HAROLD R. KNECHTEL joined his Lord in eternity on March 29, 1999. His funeral was held April 1, 1999.
JOHN FRANCIS ZITLAU joined his Lord in eternity on March 29, 1999. His funeral was held April 1, 1999.
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The congregation of St. Paul Lutheran Church wishes to acknowledge those who are graduating this year. It is with our best wishes and heartiest congratulations that we list your names and accomplishments for all to share. Great Job!
Darby Cornelius, Peter Gilbertson, Amy Ilsley, Emily Johnston, Chad Kirchoff , Jessica LaHaie, Robert Lutey, Chris Marshall, Sarah McQuarrie, Chad Mischley, Chris Morrison, Stacy Ohlrich, Courtney Parkham, Krista Ruell, Joshua Sims, and Holly Webster.
We will be honoring High School Graduates on June 6th at the 9:20 a.m. service. If we have overlooked anyone, please call the church office. Thank you.
Advanced Degree Graduates:
Scott Beyer son of Duane and Judy Beyer, graduated in December from Central Michigan University with a Bachelors Degree in Music Education and minor in Jazz Studies.
Clay Cornelius son of Pat Cornelius, graduated from Alpena Community College.
Julie Froggett Jett daughter of Sam and Sandra Froggett, will graduate with a LPN in nursing in July.
Jeremy Sims son of Diane Sims-Kus has graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Information Network Management.
Angela Skowronek daughter of Mike & Diane Centala, graduated from Alpena Community College and will attend Central Michigan University