A Note from Pastor Rich – October 2021

Posted on October 4, 2021October 4, 2021 by Jill Richard

I came across an interesting idea, in the Senior Living email, that I would like to share. Are you fulfilled in your life? In Colossians 2:10 we read…”in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority.” Maybe you are cynical about what is happening today. Maybe your life is not what you think it should be. Want a solution? Look to Jesus, not the world, to fulfill you. He is the source and remedy to any emptiness you may feel inside. Ask Jesus to change your outlook to finding your fullness in Him alone. May God be with you!

News Flash: Karon’s Kards returns to the Senior Center this month. All are invited to come and play cards on Thursday, October 21, at 1 pm.

News Flash: Zeke our church mouse and resident of the Senior Center has moved to Palm Springs, California to live with his cousin Henry. We are sad to have him leave, but we have a replacement, Bingo the Basset Hound. He promises to keep the humor coming.

May God bless you as you live out your life in October.

In Christ’s Love,

Pastor Rich

BINGO.

Hi folks,

I am thrilled to be a new resident of the Senior Center. Basset Hounds are religious dogs. We had our beginning in a Monastery in France in the 16th. Century. We were bred by monks to hunt rabbits. That’s why we have our nose to the ground as we are sniffing for rabbits. I, however, will be sniffing out Senior news for you. There is Bingo fun every fourth Wednesday at the Center. The grand prize in September was won by Claude Hampton. It was lunch for two with Pastor Rich and Maxine at the Spaghetti Factory. I thought he might invite me, but he choose Margaret. Join us on October 27, for Bingo fun. Ready for a smile?

Here are some dog jokes:

What breed of dog goes after anything red? A Bulldog
What do you call a dog left outside for a long time? A chili dog
Why didn’t the dog want to play football? It was a Boxer
What kinds of markets do dogs not like? Flea markets
Why do dogs run in circles? It is hard to run in squares
How many hairs in a dog’s tail? None, they are all on the outside

That’s enough dog smiles for this month. Sniff out my column in November. For your information, Zeke liked PJ, I prefer chocolate.

Goodbye for now.

BINGO, your Senior Center Basset Hound

Children’s Ministry Fall Events 2021

Posted on October 4, 2021October 4, 2021 by Jill Richard

Children’s Ministry Fall events

Hello everyone! Can you believe it is October already? Time does fly when you are having fun!

We have several events this month for all members of our congregation.

Sunday school is every Sunday between first and second service.

Let us know if you will be joining us and/or if you would like to help teach a class or two!

Family Game Night will be on Oct. 6 and 20, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Family game night is for all ages.

You are all a part of our St. Paul family; we would love to have you! There will be several board games and card games available to play or bring your own and teach us how to play! This is a great time for all to get to know each other better and build strong relationships too.

We are thrilled to start our Youth Group meetings again.

On every other Wednesday, starting October 13 from 7:00 to 8:30 pm in the Connect Center, we will play a few games, get to know each other, and talk about how our faith can help us confidently walk through whatever life throws at us. On October 13, we will share with you some of our experiences that made National Youth Gathering is so important and such a blast for us!

LCMS retreat at Camp Lutherwood

On the weekend of Oct 15-17, Pastor Don and a few of our youth will head down to a special LCMS retreat at Camp Lutherwood. Focus in on the disciples after the resurrection and before Pentecost. Each day we look to the news and say: “What’s going on?” and we get down. As opposed to looking to God and finding hope. The disciples are hiding, retreating, and being refilled before going out again. Please keep them all in your prayers this weekend.

Trunk or Treat

On October 31, we will be having the first Trunk or Treat event for our congregation family and the Preschool families. If you are new to Trunk or Treating, it is a modern tradition in which kids go “trick or treating” car to car instead of house to house in our parking lot. We invite any church member who would like to join in on the fun to sign up!

Decorate the back of your car to offer a fun place for the children to stop and receive a treat from you. Bring your own pre-packaged candy or treats, and dress up if you like to as well. There are prizes for the top three best-decorated trunks! Vehicles can start setting up at 3 pm and the trunk or treating begins at 4 pm.

To register for any of these events or if you have questions, please reach out to me!

Email is stpaulsaintsvbs@gmail.com or jennifergatke@gmail.com

Thank you all for the opportunity to re-ignite our youth ministry!

Jennifer Gatke

Sunday School Superintendent Children’s Ministry

CYF calendar October 2021

October 2021 – A note from your New Congregational Vice President!

Posted on October 4, 2021 by Jill Richard

A NOTE FROM YOUR NEW VICE PRESIDENT

I was voted in as the new Congregation Vice President at the September 19^th voters meeting. I would like to share a little about myself and my history. I come from a long line of teachers and preachers. My maternal great-grandparents were missionaries to Africa. After her husband died, my great-grandmother was a lay preacher in a country church for 10 years. Her son, my mom’s dad was a preacher since he was 19. The church used his carpentry skills as they repeatedly assigned him to congregations that needed to refurbish or build new churches or parsonages. My mom used her skills to write a couple of devotionals. I joined my mom, granddad, and sister in ‘the family business’ when I became a teacher in the late 1990s. I taught until I moved to Oregon in 2006.

I met my husband, Fred, in the community clubhouse where I still live. We had been dating a short while when I told him I’d like to go to church with him. He asked me to wait until the first Sunday of the next month, so we could take communion together on the first Sunday we worshiped together. We married in St. Paul’s on September 24, 2011. I joined the church a couple of years later. After a little more than 7 wonderful years passed, Fred’s heart gave out and the Lord took him home on January 20^th, 2019.

I share my house with two kitties, who both entertain and comfort me. I enjoy gardening and have helped Marge Peters tend to the memorial rose garden. I have helped at VBS for a couple of years. I am looking forward to my new role in the church.

Dottie Buss

October 2021 From Your Congregational President

Posted on October 4, 2021October 4, 2021 by Jill Richard

Declaring & Teaching – Jesus is Lord !

There is a lot going on at church, hope we are meeting your spiritual and physical needs in this fall season. If there is something you think one of your brothers or sisters in Christ might be able to help you with, I strongly recommend that you pick up the phone and call someone, anyone. Maybe it is someone you haven’t talked to in a while, maybe, it’s Ellen or Jennifer who can connect you with a resource who can help; maybe you want to talk to me or one of our Elders or Pastors. As this month’s scripture indicates, we need to initiate the reaching out to the body of Christ the church if we are looking for his healing.

Luke 8:40-56 – Miracles of Healing

And as Jesus was returning, the people welcomed Him, for they had all been waiting for Him. And a man named Jairus came, and he was an official of the synagogue; and he fell at Jesus’ feet, and began urging Him to come to his house; for he had an only daughter, about twelve years old, and she was dying. But as He went, the crowds were pressing against Him.

And a woman who had suffered a chronic flow of blood for twelve years, and could not be healed by anyone, came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped.

And Jesus said, “Who is the one who touched Me?” And while they were all denying it, Peter said, “Master, the people are crowding and pressing in on You.” But Jesus said, “Someone did touch Me, for I was aware that power had left Me.” Now when the woman saw that she had not escaped notice, she came trembling and fell down before Him, and admitted in the presence of all the people the reason why she had touched Him, and how she had been immediately healed.

And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.”

While He was still speaking, someone *came from the house of the synagogue official, saying, “Your daughter has died; do not trouble the Teacher anymore.” But when Jesus heard this, He responded to him, “Do not be afraid any longer; only believe, and she will be made well.” When He came to the house, He did not allow anyone to enter with Him except Peter, John, and James, and the girl’s father and mother. Now they were all weeping and mourning for her; but He said, “Stop weeping, for she has not died, but is asleep.” And they began laughing at Him, knowing that she had died.

He, however, took her by the hand and spoke forcefully, saying, “Child, arise!” And her spirit returned, and she got up immediately; and He ordered that something be given her to eat. Her parents were amazed; but He instructed them to tell no one what had happened.

Blessings,

Tim Grace

September 2021 From Your Congregational President

Posted on September 9, 2021October 4, 2021 by Jill Richard

Psalm 112:4 Light shines in the darkness for the upright; He is gracious, compassionate, and righteous.

Robin Hood Festival and Oktober Festival are two gatherings we had been looking forward to this September and here were are ready to publish the newsletter and there is uncertainty as to what we should do. We have decided to send a survey out to see what you would like to do. The struggle is REAL ! We all continue to make choices everyday on how we are going to LIVE the one LIFE God has graciously given to us.

What are we to focus our energy on? What are we to do to Glorify His name? There is much to do and life finds a way forward. It was encouraging to see Jeff and Cindy Snyder at church last week, what courage, strength and grace they both exemplify. Showing up sometimes is all we can do and often that is enough. The enemy’s weapons are fear and uncertainty but our God has overcome these and gives us weapons to fight, to resist and to overcome the enemy’s evil skims. God gives us His Spirit with a bright light that shines in the darkness.

So we will continue to pray and seek His wisdom as to the way we should go. So what is happening? Where can you participate and contribute to growing His Kingdom?

***Now we have heard both have been cancelled for 2021***

Christian Education

We all need to be in His word on a daily basis, we also need to be gathering and studying His word as a church body as we were prior to the lock-down of 2020. Church council is dedicating the September meeting to re-establishing our adult and youth Sunday School Programs. Jennifer Gatke will be our superintendent for CE for the coming year. It is our intention to have have Pre-School, Elementary and High School Education initially starting in the Education Building with Adult classes in the lower level of the church. All interested teachers and parents should plan to attend and help us grow this important part of our community.

Rummage Sale

Cyndi Perone and company have been busy organizing donated items, etc. in the Connect Center and Old School Building. We are not accepting anymore donations at this time. The SALE is planned for two Thursdays and Fridays from 8:00-5:00 PM on August 26 and 27 and again September 2 and 3. If there are volunteers that would like to open and manage shop on Saturday or Sunday following those dates, please contact Cyndi.

Looking Ahead

Our Church Constitution and Bi-Laws indicate that in September our Vice President will form a committee of current board members to meet and identify candidates for the various offices and boards for the elections that are to be held in December. The group then establishes a list of potential candidates and agrees on a plan for contacting individual members of the congregation than at subsequent meetings the group meets and updates the list as to who is willing to serve. Well we have a problem, we don’t have a Vice President to perform this very import task. There is also a requirement that we have at least two candidates for each office.

Elections (cont.) This is very important as there is much to do and the current officers and board members need your help and support. Last year with Covid-19 and all that it brought, we had no new candidates for any of the boards or offices. This is a problem that must be addressed by the voters. Many of those currently serving are growing tired of the lack of respect and appreciation for those currently serving. Others need to come forward to share the load of leadership in the church body.

We have a Regular Voters’ Meeting scheduled for September 19, 2021 at noon and this will be the first item of business. If we have two volunteers for the position of Vice President, one of them will be appointed. The only other item of business for this meeting will be to review and discuss the church council meeting minutes from August 19, 2021. We anticipate that copies of the council meeting minutes will be available at the back of the sanctuary or downstairs on the table near the side door by September 12 the Sunday prior to the voters’ meeting.

Here is some encouragement from Isaiah 58:8-11

Then your light will burst forth like the morning, your new skin will quickly grow over your wound; your righteousness will precede you, and ADONAI’s (God’s) glory will follow you. Then you will call, and ADONAI (God) will answer; you will cry, and he will say, “Here I am.” If you will remove the yoke from among you, stop false accusation and slander, generously offer food to the hungry and meet the needs of the person in trouble; then your light will rise in the darkness, and your gloom become like noon. ADONAI will always guide you; he will satisfy your needs in the desert, he will renew the strength in your limbs; so that you will be like a watered garden, like a spring whose water never fails.

Our church is blessed to have its own cemetery.

Posted on September 9, 2021October 4, 2021 by Jill Richard

It’s not morbid to talk about your death and burial plans.

Pastor Don Richard

As Christians, we have hope in eternal life and look forward to the resurrection of all the dead in Christ on the last day. Jesus takes the sting of death away, and we actually look forward to the time when we will know our God and each other in perfect peace and glory in the new heavens and the new earth. In the meantime, the cemetery serves an important function in our church. It is a holding place for us after we die and await the resurrection.

St Paul Lutheran Church is blessed to have its own cemetery. As a member of St. Paul Sherwood, you have the assurance of burial space at a much lower cost than a public cemetery. You also have a say in how the cemetery is managed, maintained, and used. Like many other facets of the church, the cemetery is overseen by volunteers on a committee to oversee day-to-day operations, as well as long-term plans. The committee consists of a sextant, who has charts of the cemetery showing where each grave space is, who’s buried in it, and where available spaces are for future internments. There are also volunteers who do general upkeep of the cemetery grounds. While the church treasurer is responsible for tracking all monies coming in and going out, the cemetery committee pays close attention to donations and costs particular to it including maintenance, fees, trust funds, etc. Some of our current volunteers have devoted much of their lives in loving care to the cemetery because of its important purpose and legacy. We thank God for them and their faithful service to the church.

The St. Paul Lutheran Church cemetery has its own interesting history. I’ve been told it once had a fence around it, but I haven’t been able to find photographic evidence of it. In the old days, church members who were known drunkards, gamblers, fornicators and adulterers were denied burial in the cemetery. One can suppose this heavy-handed approach was to keep the cemetery untainted by the deceased’s moral depravity. But it may also have been out of loving concern for the brethren as a warning that if you live in a manner contrary to Christian principals, you will not receive the full benefits of the church.

One may wonder, how much money does it take to maintain a cemetery the size of ours—Maple Lane Cemetery included? That’s a good question. Our church is blessed to have funds available just for cemetery upkeep and unforeseen expenses such as damage from natural disaster or vandalism. Every so often the church receives generous donations given with the intent they will be used for the cemetery. These donations have accumulated over the years, and, as you can see on a financial report from the church treasurer, our cemetery funds would make other churches envious. Several years ago in fact, the voters approved the purchase of a columbarium to the tune of over $30,000 dollars. There was more than enough money in the cemetery coffers to pay for the thing outright—even have it emblazoned with our beloved Lutheran symbols. This large expenditure did not affect the regular church budget one penny. What a blessing to have this kind of financial luxury!

There are opinions that large expenditures may be in store for the cemetery such as some type of security wall or the return of the aforementioned fence. Time will tell. It is good to know however that our church has well over $150,000 dollars to deal with anything down the road concerning our two cemeteries.

A church member who is now buried in the cemetery herself, was fond of reminding me often that it was for church members only, and nowadays, “they bury anybody and his brother in there.” She was partly right; the cemetery is for members of the church only. Exceptions have been made however going as far back as the early 1900s. There are family names on tombstones which cannot be found in our church records including a young boy who died and was buried in 1921. My guess is, he was the son of a friend of a church member, and out of compassion for his family, he was buried here. This does not mean we bury “anybody and his brother.” Exceptions are made on a case-by-case basis between the pastor, the elders of the church and the cemetery committee.

I hope you have found this information useful. I would encourage any member of our congregation to get involved with the operations of the cemetery. It serves an important function in our lives together as Christians, and is a major part of the legacy of our church in Sherwood. Please speak with me or an elder if you would like to know more.

In Christ,

Pastor Don

A Note from Pastor Rich – September 2021

Posted on September 9, 2021October 4, 2021 by Jill Richard

Greetings in Christ Jesus

but wait there's hope — But Wait…There’s Hope

Frustrated? Wondering what the future has in store? The list is long as to how much evil exists. No need to list it here. The future May appear bleak. But hold on! There is hope. This source of hope is found in Jesus! Jesus meets the deepest need of everyone. We need to hear that Jesus loves me. The Bible tells me the good news! Are you reading and meditating on it? Psalm 24:1 The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. Let us turn to Him and put our trust in Him. The solutions are not found in the people of the world, but in a changed heart. We need each other for encouragement and support. It is important that we worship and pray together.

Senior Saints will begin weekly meetings starting September 8. Join us for sharing hope and care for each other. Bring a sack lunch and enjoy time with your brothers and sisters in Christ. Here is how our weekly schedule looks.

First Wednesday: Regular meeting

Second Wednesday: Scripture, prayer, and Holy Communion

Third Wednesday: Regular meeting

Fourth Wednesday: Bingo Party. Fabulous prizes based on a theme. Bingo Beach party this month.

Fifth Wednesday: Pastor’s Surprise. Come to experience it!

God’s Blessings as we continue to live in the Hope that Jesus gives.

In Christ’s Love,

Pastor Rich

Zeke Hi Gang,

Looking forward to seeing you each week. Looks like the Governor is requiring masks. We will keep you informed. So far no mice requirement to wear one. Lucky me.

The following has a warning: if you are under 65, you may not understand what is being said. Read at your own risk. Laughing makes you younger. So decrease your age. Tombstones tell stories. There goes the neighborhood. Here lies Lester Moore four slugs from a 44 no less no more. It is dark down here. I am Swedish, pass the Lutefisk. I am filling my last cavity.

Here is a question: what do you call bears with no ears? B

What do Alexander The Great and Winnie The Pooh have in common? They have the same middle name.

I told the doctor I broke my arm in two places. He told me not to go to those places.

That is enough. Enjoy the last days of summer.

Love, Zeke

VBS Update September 2021

Posted on September 8, 2021September 9, 2021 by Jill Richard

VBS 2021

What an amazing VBS we had this summer!

Hello everyone and thank you for all your gifts, your time, and your prayers.

Pastor Don led a team of truly inspired teens who made every one of us laugh, dance, sing, and never want to leave. We were able to have our s’mores on Wednesday night and have hot dogs and snow cones on Friday too! I am so grateful that you allow me to run this camp every year! I look forward to seeing how God will touch the lives of every one of us through VBS. This year, 2021, we shared the love of Jesus with 90 kids and 40 volunteers!

Sunday School 2021

Posted on September 8, 2021September 26, 2021 by Jill Richard

Sunday School 2021

I am excited to start our Sunday school back up this fall! I need your help too. On September 16^th at 6:30 PM, there will be a meeting to discuss what Sunday school needs to be during this pandemic and beyond. As of writing this, Governor Brown has issued a mask mandate for both indoors and outdoors regardless of vaccination status for ages 2 and up. Thankfully, God has given me 2 summers of VBS under strict COVID guidelines. I feel capable of putting together a flexible Sunday School program that will allow us to continue Sunday school as safely as possible. I cannot do this on my own. Please pray about becoming a Sunday School teacher, mentor, advisor, helper, and anything else the Lord puts in your heart!

God bless you! Jen Gatke

I want to help with Sunday School

“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.”

2 Timothy 1:7

A Note from Pastor Don September 2021

Posted on September 8, 2021 by Jill Richard

rocket launch

S.P.A.R.K.

(St. Paul Church’s Announcements to Read and Know)

September 2021

Dear friends,

I hope this newsletter finds you well. I am maintaining my own wellness by taking time off from church work. Even on vacation though, it’s hard not to think ahead to all the challenges the new Church Year will bring under this continuing pandemic. For a while I was beginning to think things were looking better, especially being able to worship outdoors without facemasks; but, as you know, that didn’t last long. In the meantime, we must consider the things which are most important to us as a church. I believe one of those things is our Christian education. Some of it has continued during the pandemic such as confirmation and mid-week Bible study among the senior group and the women. But our main Sunday Bible study, Sunday School and youth group have been on hold since early last year. This has to change soon. The state can mandate this and that, but as long as we are able to meet in person while observing measures to mitigate the spread of Covid, we should be doing so. President Tim has already mentioned in his article the upcoming meeting where together, we will move forward with a plan to resume Christian education. I encourage you to attend as well. I do not recommend we have an Oktoberfest this year. If there is any question about risk of infection, it should only be considered for the most important functions of the church, that being worship and education. The non-essential stuff must wait until this is all over.

You’ve all been very patient and understanding during these times. It hasn’t been easy for some of my colleagues in the ministry; but here at St. Paul, I think we have taken what God has given us with a fair amount of acceptance. Who knows what He is teaching us through all this other than to turn to Him and rely on Him even more. To do otherwise is unfaithful, and that is certainly not what we wish to be.

I’ll see you soon. The Peace of the Lord be with you.

Pastor Don