June 2016 Newsletter

the spirit of saint paul

June, 2016  Volume 51, Issue 6 

A R C C

22 By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control.

There is no law against such things. - Galatians 5: 22-23

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St. Paul Lutheran Church

A Reconciling in Christ (RIC) Community Phone: 505-242-5942

Fax: 505-242-7067 Email: [email protected]

Website: www.StPaulABQ.org Pastoral Care Emergency Phone : 505-249-9859

Calico Butterfly Preschool Phone: 505-242-4504

Email: [email protected]

Sunday Service 9:30 a.m. Holy Communion

Personnel SENIOR PASTOR

Patricia L. Holman

DIRECTOR OF MUSIC MINISTRIES Seth Hartwell

ORGANIST Beverly Pettit

CALICO BUTTERFLY PRESCHOOL DIRECTOR Doreen Kleinsasser

OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR AnnaMarie Padilla 

Saint Paul Lutheran Church, as a community of faith in Christ,

is radically welcoming, strives for jus ce,

and loves its neighbors as itself. 

Table of Contents From the Pastor ............................................................. 2 From The Congregation President ..................................... 4 Adopted Families ............................................................ 5 Albuquerque Interfaith ................................................... 6 Bread for the World ........................................................ 7 Border Immersion ........................................................... 7 Calico Butterfly Preschool ................................................ 8 Camino de Vida .............................................................. 9 ELCA Advocacy ............................................................ 10 Free Meal for Children 3-18 years ................................... 10 Friends Feeding Friends ................................................. 11 Gay Pride .................................................................... 12 Movie Night ................................................................. 12 Music Director Update ................................................... 13 Proofing Team ............................................................. 14 Sewing Group .............................................................. 14 Spring Graduates ......................................................... 15 St. Paul Scholarship Application ...................................... 15 Sunflower Orphanage.................................................... 16 Updating the Church Directory ....................................... 16 Update on St. Paul's Transition and Discernment Process .. 17 Youth Group News ........................................................ 18 Caring for Our Faith Community ..................................... 19 Council Highlights ......................................................... 20 Congregation Council .................................................... 21 Calendar/Volunteers ................................................. Insert

BULLETIN & NEWSLETTER DEADLINES (except as otherwise noted)

SUNDAY BULLETIN: Each Wednesday at 9 a.m. JUNE NEWSLETTER: June 15th at noon

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From the Pastor ONE STORY OF NEVE-A-DULL-MOMRNT LUTHERAN CHURCH At our 125th anniversary dinner event on April 16, 2016, we heard from several folks about what this congregation has meant to them and to their families. It fell to me as the final speaker to root our story in the life of the Albuquerque community. Here’s the gist of what I shared:

“Over the past year I have kept my ears open for bits and pieces of this congregation’s story that are novel or new to me. Imagine my surprise when our regular Thursday morning office volunteer, a lovely woman in her 80’s, showed me a passage that mentioned St. Paul in the book she was reading. The volunteer: Millie Weeks. The book: WICKED WOMEN OF NEW MEXICO [Donna Blake Birchell (2014) Charleston SC: The History Press]. I asked Millie to copy the page for me as I thought it might be of interest for this event. She did, long hand! I’ll try to decipher:

Due to a city-imposed ordinance that made it illegal to operate a house of ill repute within seven hundred feet of a church or fraternal organization, Lizzie and two other madams were stopped from opening a second house on Third Street near St. Paul Lutheran Church. The city officials thought they had been successful in stopping the establishment of yet another disorderly house, but they did not know Lizzie McGrath and her cohorts as well as they thought they did. Lizzie proceeded to make the church an offer of $3,000 if it would move the congregation and sell the building to the ladies. The church happily accepted the offer, and the building was then razed by the women, much to the dismay of the protesting neighbors.”

Wanting to verify this part of our history before sharing it, I searched the internet. Using the madam’s name in connection with churches I found an article by Journal staff writer Charles D. Brunt that was published in the ABQ Journal on November 27, 2015. It was about Albuquerque’s architectural peaks, and in the section on the Hyatt Regency I found this note:

“The Hyatt Regency sits on what was, from 1880 until 1914, part of the city’s red-light district. Of the area’s ‘parlor’ houses, the most notable was the Vine Cottage, run by madam Lizzie McGrath.“

(con nued)

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Brunt described McGrath as a successful businesswoman who was also a regular donor to, among other things, “church building funds and local charities. In 1901,” he continued, “when the city passed an ordinance prohibiting parlor houses from operating near churches or community buildings, McGrath and two other madams bought and closed the Third Street Lutheran Church” – that’s us!

There’s more to the story, of course, but allow me to close this account with the connection that I couldn’t resist making on this auspicious occasion. About eight years ago a member of St. Paul was working as a chef at the Hyatt. The hotel was remodeling the guest rooms and offered to sell the upholstered side chairs to folks who could haul them away for $5 each. Greg Griffin asked me if we wanted any, and since they were durable, easily moved (wheels on the front with stable legs on the back), and a great style for folks with mobility concerns to get into and out of, I said, “Sure, how about a dozen! I’ll pay for them myself.” Greg did arrange to get a dozen of these chairs – in use in the Friendship corner and my office to this day. Better yet, since we are a church, he got them all for FREE. Yet another “church donation” from the ghost of Lizzie McGrath….

SO, thanks Millie for being a good sport, and for sharing a story which I’ve been assured was most certainly NOT a part of the 100th anniversary celebration of St. Paul. Thanks be to God we are still learning and growing in grace AND good humor!

<>< Pr. Pat Holman

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From The Congregation President By Alicia Ruch-Flynn “Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will con-trol the way you think and feel.“ Philippians 4: 6–7

This is an exciting time for our church. We are in a time of transition and change and I am grateful for, and honored by, the opportunity to serve as Council president during this time. I am grateful because my faith is deepening as this year progresses. My personality thrives on planning and anticipating the future. So much so that my career revolves around planning. I love it when a math lesson goes per plan, with enthusiastic response from and increased understanding by the students. So being comfortable with change is a growing edge for me. But here is what is amazing, every time we as a Council, or I as president reach a place where it seems unclear what the next step should be, a path is revealed that is better than the path we thought we were on. I am beginning to actually eagerly anticipate uncertainty, sure from my experience so far as president that I will once again feel a sense of amazement and joy at seeing the next step form through discussion, prayer, and discernment. I am humbled and amazed by what God is doing in our midst. And so I am honored. Honored to be a part of the St. Paul leadership team during this time of transition.

In an effort to keep everyone informed of all that is happening in our transformation process and in our upcoming pastoral transition, I have started writing a bulletin update each week. Look for information and ways to participate each week. One way to participate in the transformation process is to volunteer to work on an Ad Hoc committee. These committees will meet over the summer and early fall to analyze how well each set of ideas brought forward in the April Gathering meetings preserves what is essential to St. Paul, is faithful to our mission and resources, and transforms St. Paul. Please join a committee and share your insight. We need everyone’s input, because, as my experience so far as president attests, amazing ideas come forth when we pray and listen, and when we discuss and listen. The Holy Spirit is present and active in our midst. Thanks be to God.

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Adopted Families By Kay Schoenefeld

Here's an update on the woman I wrote about last month - her daughter died of cancer and then in April she herself had surgery for cancer. Her surgery was successful and there was no more sign of cancer but the doctors wanted her to have chemo anyway. So far she has decided against the chemo; she is very afraid of it, having watched her daughter suffer through it and then die. Her nephew came by St. Paul asking that we contact her, so we did (through my Spanish-speaking friend who was our very first adoptee over 25 years ago). The woman didn't want to ask but she needed rent help again - until she can get back on her feet and go back to work. She was able to get part of the rent from some friends and folks from her own church; we filled in with the remainder. Through a St. Paul member who works with cancer patients, we are also trying to connect her with some other help that is available in Albuquerque. And the daughter of our first adoptee has offered to do what she can to help the woman emotionally. The woman is very, very grateful.

Also last month one of our St. Paul members had several furniture items to donate. We got a gang together to pick up and deliver the items: there were three trucks involved in the process and five different folks who were very happy recipients of the items. I never tire of seeing the smiles on the faces of folks when we deliver needed items.

We continue to have a special need for sheets of all sizes and adult diapers (size medium for women). We can always use furniture, toilet paper, laundry soap, dish soap, toothpaste, tooth brushes, shampoo, cleaning supplies, TVs, blankets, bath towels, sheets, dishes, silverware, pots and pans, lamps, and anything else useable. If you have large items to donate, call Kay to arrange for pickup; bring small items to the narthex coatroom (by the Adopted Families sign). To donate money, make checks payable to St. Paul, mark them for Adopted Families and place them in the Sunday offering or church office.

Thank you for thinking of our families.

Adopted Families Committee Members: Kay Schoenefeld, 281-4037, Cheri and Ted Parson, 291-8394, Dave and Susan Lund, Pat Curtin, Bill and Paula Eglinton, Randy and Marsha Kearney, Paul and Mary Thompson, Fred and Helen Disque, Hal and Cheryl Schultz.

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Albuquerque Interfaith By Ivan Westergaard

ISSUE PAPERS ADOPTED AT DELEGATES ASSEMBLY

With 100 present, representing the 18 member institutions of Albuquerque Interfaith, five "Issue Development Papers" were officially acted upon, laying out the A.I. action agenda for the next 12 months. Each "Paper" details aspects of the "issue" that A.I. will be working on: doing research, supporting public involvement, meeting with elected officials, etc. The "Papers" covered:

(1) Mental/Behavioral Health, (2) Immigrant Justice, (3) Workforce Development, (4) Public Education, and (5) City/County Comprehensive Plan.

Copies of the "Issue Development Papers" are available. Stories were told, illustrating each issue, and background information was provided. After the adoption of the "Issue Papers" by the Assembly, candidates for County Commission, South Valley District, were asked several questions related to the Issues and if they would work with A.I. on these issues ("yes" or "no"). They answered "yes" to all the questions.

Sheriff Manny Gonzales was asked if he would guarantee that his Office would not discriminate based of the type of license a person may hold, given the new two-tier drivers license coming this fall and would he meet with A.I. leaders to work on equal treatment of all residents. He also answered "yes."

For more information on the Assembly, talk to attendees from St. Paul: Katryn Fraher, Hal and Shirley Nilsson, Hal Schultz, Diane Remer-Thamert, Else Tasseron, Ivan Westergaard, and Jeff Sorensen.

New member institutions introduced at the Assembly were First Presbyterian Church, National Association of Social Workers - NM, Washington Middle School, and St. Therese Catholic Church.

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Bread For the World

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Offering of Letters for Bread for the World, and especially to Pastor Holman for the dedication during the May 1 service. A total of 51 letters were sent to our representatives in Congress urging them to support funding for maternal and child nutrition programs in the Dept. of State’s foreign operations appropriations bill. These letters, together with many more from other churches and organizations are important in influencing Congress. Last year, NM generated over 1200 letters as part of the nation-wide effort. Stay tuned for updates of this year’s totals from Carlos Navarro, the BFW Volunteer coordinator for NM. For further information visit www.bread.org or http://breadnm.blogspot.com/

Border Immersion Trip

Four members of St. Paul, Nancy Jenkins, Jonathan Ice, Kathy Branson, and Alicia Ruch-Flynn and three member of the New Mexico Faith Coalition are heading to Cristo Rey Lutheran Church in El Paso, Texas, for a 4 day Border Immersion experience, June 2nd- June 5th. Please hold this group in prayer as they embark on this educational and profoundly eye opening trip. - Your Outreach Team

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By Doreen Kleinsasser May, 2016

Dear Congregational members and Calico families,

Calico Butterfly Preschool has been my place of work since 2004. My experience at Calico has felt more like being part of an extended family on a daily basis. But after being in Early Childhood Education for the last 30 years I have decided to retire. My resignation has defined May 25 as my last day at Calico Butterfly Preschool as the Director.

It has been a rewarding experience working and getting to know young children and their families over several decades. I have grown to appreciate watching children develop from infants to independent preschoolers and prepared to go on to kindergarten. The support from the parents, staff, Calico Board and the congregation has been appreciated. I am confident that our program will continue on the mission of being a developmentally sound program for young children with a Christian emphasis.

Please be assured that the Calico Preschool Board has secured an Interim Director, April Lucero, until a permanent replacement can be hired. Calico will continue to provide the quality child care you have come to know.

There will always be a special place in my heart for the children from Calico, past and present. I have many fond memories of how families have shown their appreciation for our program through the years.

Wishing each of you and your family God’s continued blessings.

Sincerely,

Doreen Kleinsasser

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Camino de Vida

INHERITS BUILDING With the Presbyterian English speaking congregation deciding to end its years of ministry in the South Valley, our joint effort with the Presbyterian Church-USA, to develop a Spanish language ministry now has full use of the building that it shared with Cristo del Valle Church for two years. Pentecost Sunday saw the two congregations together, the few Cristo folks acknowledging their last worship and the Camino folks celebrating their 6th anniversary (on Pentecost) of the start of regular Sunday worship and now the full use of a building. Since Camino is a "Congregation Under Development", the Presbytery of Santa Fe will hold title to the building until the congregation becomes "chartered." This may take a number of years. Both PC-USA and the ELCA are working on how to organize congregations that may not be self-supporting any time soon.

With the "ELCA Hunger Grant" award, Camino de Vida is again offering ESL (English as a Second Language) classes. There are up to 9 attending the 1st level and 7 in the 2nd level. With a grant from the Presbytery, the Saturday music classes are also underway with 16 children getting voice and instrument training. Camino has had a strong music program and older youth often move into music leadership in worship. New this fall will be a complete education hour for the children on Sundays at 10 a.m.

Ivan Westergaard, Camino de Vida Advisory Committee

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ELCA Advocacy in Washington, D.C. Our ELCA Advocacy Office in Washington, D.C. is our voice in our nation's capitol, speaking to issues and concerns that come out of the Social Statements that have been adopted by the ELCA's biennial Assembly. Thus the staff follows legislation that may agree or may conflict with the Social

Statements that embody our biblical values related to peacemaking, care of creation, hospitality, concern for those in poverty and justice for all. "Concern for our brothers and sisters living in poverty" is one of the five priorities for 2016:

Take concrete steps toward ending hunger by enhancing domestic programs, including "The Improving Child Nutrition Integrity and Access Act;"

Improve funding for and access to affordable housing.

Next time, "Justice for All."

To learn more, go to www.elca.org/advocacy.

- Ivan Westergaard

Free Meals for Children 3-18yrs old

Children ages 3-18 can receive a free healthy meal seven days a week between 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at the Downtown Presbyterian Hospital (201 Cedar SE) in the cafeteria. No ID or other documentation required. The meal must be eaten at the hospital and anyone over 18 (parents/guardians) who wants a meal must purchase their own meal. No voucher for the children is required, just order from a cashier in the cafeteria. This is a USDA at-risk feeding program which will transition into the summer feeding program when school is out for the summer. Presbyterian is also offering this at their Socorro and Clovis hospitals. - Else Tasseron

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Friends Feeding Friends

The number of people in need of a healthy dinner in the Albuquerque area continues to increase as we enter the warm weather months. To ensure that clients are served in a timely manner this past month (May) we began serving dinner for Project Share at St. Martin’s Hospitality Center at 4:15 p.m. instead of 5:00 p.m. We usually serve about 150 people, but that number was closer to 240 meals last month. The great increase was partially due to the only other shelter that serves dinner this time of year being closed for maintenance (until May 23rd), but we expect a general rise in numbers to continue throughout the summer/fall months. Fortunately the generosity of those who help provide the meal and financial support provided by Thrivent’s “Care Abounds” program has enabled us to keep up with the increase in demand.

If you have some free time on the first Thursday of the month, we always need people to help serve the meal. This is especially true with the number of clients increasing. A reminder that servers must be at least 16 years of age and need to be at St. Martin’s by 4:00 p.m. St. Martin’s is located at 1201 3rd Street NW, Albuquerque, NM. 3rd Street is a one-way street going south and St. Martin’s is on the west (right side) just south of Summer St. If you can cook, we need you on a team. We also gladly accept any donations to help defray the costs (a check can be made out to “St. Paul Lutheran Church,” with “FFF/Hospitality Fund” being noted under remarks).

If interested or you have any questions, please contact Marsha Kearney at 505-899-9705 or [email protected]

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Gay Pride Parade Plan to ride in our 'float' or walk with our banner in this year's Gay Pride Parade. This year, many of us from St. Paul will meet at St. Paul at 8:30 a.m. on the morning of the walk to travel together to the parade

grounds. There, wearing our St. Paul T-shirts (available at the Welcome Center for $10), we walk the parade, and hand out candy/St. Paul information cards to the parade attendees. The parade is always a good time, and this year, we will also participate by having a table at the fairgrounds after the parade. If you are interested in joining us in the parade or at the fairgrounds, please let a member of the Outreach Team know or just show up at St. Paul at 8:30 a.m. on June 11th! Hope to see you there. - Alicia Ruch-Flynn

Movie Night

The June movie night will be on Friday June 17th, 6 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. We will be showing The Best of Men, non-rated family friendly movie, that takes place towards the end of the second world war. Dr Ludwig Guttmann, a brusk refugee from Nazi

Germany, arrives at Stoke Mandeville hospital in Buckinghamshire and is appalled to find the partially paralyzed spinal patients heavily sedated and left to rot with bed sores. He immediately begins a new regime, disposing of old equipment and sedatives, bringing him into conflict with stern Sister Edwards and pompous consultant Cowan, as well as the patients.

This movie is a true story based on the life of Dr. Guttmann, and shows how hope and tenacity can transform a seemingly hopeless situation. Please plan to join us for a potluck dinner starting at 6 p.m. The movie will start about 6:30 p.m.

Also, save the date for the July movie night-July 22nd, a week later than usual-when the movie Happy Feet will be shown outside projected on the wall of our church! A potluck picnic will start at 7:00 p.m. and the movie will start at dusk, around 8:30 p.m. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs!! - Your Outreach Team

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Music Updates CALLING ALL MUSICIANS AND INSTRUMENTALISTS!

We will be changing liturgies during Pentecost to the familiar Now the Feast. We have a need for any players of musical instruments to play along with the liturgy- be it Saxophone, flute, cello, horn, spoons - you get the idea. I have music for C instruments, but I can adapt it for all instruments that you think you can play. If you feel moved by the spirit during this "normal" time to dust off your viol de gamba or just want to explore the space with your steel drums, then this is your time to shine and make a glorious noise (some practice will be needed) to the Lord. I have openings from May to August, so please consider sharing your unique sound - and I am aware that there are many of you out there, so don't be shy! Inquire about all possibilities and availability by calling me at 505-331-3679 or email me at [email protected].

Peace, Seth Hartwell, Director of Music

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND – FAVORITE HYMN SUNDAY! This year we will observe Favorite Hymn Sunday on June 12th. Watch the May bulletins for inserts you can use to submit your requests for this special day. You may also email your requests to [email protected] and they will be forwarded to our Director of Music for input to his planning. Any hymns we are not able to include on June 12th will be included in the worship on subsequent weeks through the rest of summer.

Thanks! <>< Pr. Pat Holman

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Proofing Team Calling all Linguists! I am putting together a volunteer proofing team to rotate proofing the weekly bulletins and announcements as well as monthly newsletters. If you are interested in helping out please contact me in the office at 505-242-5942 or [email protected] for more information. There will be a training class conducted by Terry Cole once we have enough volunteers. Look for more information in the weekly bulletins. -AnnaMarie Padilla

Sewing Group

After not meeting in April, we’re back in full gear making quilts and laprobes out of the wonderful fabrics that a number of you have donated. It is thanks to your financial support and Thrivent Action Teams that we are able to purchase the batting and backing needed to complete the quilts and lap-robes. Add in the time members have been busy at work at home between the monthly meetings and you have a recipe for providing “a warm hug from God” to those in need. We were able to distribute a number of quilts/laprobes this Spring, and will distribute more in the fall and this Christmas season.

As always, we greatly appreciate the supplies and funding that so many of you provide. We are always looking for others to join us, and you don’t even have to know how to sew! We usually meet the third Tuesday of each month in the fellowship hall 9:30 am until 2:30 pm. Bring a lunch!

Any questions, contact Marsha Kearney (505-899-9705) or Susan Latella (505-508-2001). Sewing Group members include Pastor Holman, Kathy Kimler Altobelli, Marilyn Kraemer, Peggy Neiman, Vonna Hopkins, Ruth Kimler, Barbara Maxwell, Susan Latella and Marsha Kearney

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Spring Graduates CELEBRATING GRAGUATES

‘Tis the season to celebrate education milestones and we would like to recognize them in St. Paul Lutheran Church July newsletter. Know someone who this Spring has completed high school, trade schools, community colleges, colleges, universities, post-grad degrees completed, professional degrees, etc.? Please submit info to the church office for the July Newsletter by Friday 6/17/16. Thanks – and congratulations!

<>< Pr. Holman

St. Paul Scholarship Applications

Applications for St. Paul scholarships administered by the St. Paul Scholarship Committee for the benefit of members of St. Paul will be available beginning June 1st for those who wish to apply. Completed applications must be received in the office not later than 4 p.m. on Monday June 27, 2016. The St. Paul Endowed Scholarship fund – currently

comprised of donations from the Meuli and Mutschman families -- Available funds for this year this year amount to a total of $600 which the scholarship committee will disperse according to the number of qualified applicants.

The Olson Scholarship is available only to those members attending a Lutheran or Baptist college or seminary; for this specific scholarship, the total award available this year is $6,600 which would be split among qualifying students.

The Hermanson Scholarship has been fully awarded (as of 2015) and is therefore no longer available.

For more information please contact Pr. Holman or a member of the scholarship committee Paula Eglinton and Omar Durant.

Thank you! <>< Pr. Holman

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Sunflower Orphanage by Hal Schultz

This is an exciting time for Sunflower. Representative, Reverend Sarah Erickson from ELCA has made an initial site visit to the center as part of a review process to receive an YAGM volunteer from ELCA for one year. This is the same program that Charlotte Flynn is in. The assignment of a volunteer would be tremendous boost to Sunflower since we have no budget to pay staff.

This is what the Reverend Sarah Erickson had to say:

“Our initial visit went well; we enjoyed meeting with Len and seeing the center. We were grateful for his energy and joy and hospitality and are glad for the work that he is doing with these youth. “

OUR SUNFLOWER FAMILY BENEFIT On Sunday, June 19th, we will be having a Benefit Brunch following the regular church service. All food is being donated and Thrivent has pledged to give one dollar of every three dollars raised. This event means a great deal for the kids since we are really struggling to meet costs for food, school, uniforms and supplies as well as other expenses.

As always 100% of all contributions to Sunflower Orphanage directly go to the children.

Updating the Church Directory

I have received several requests for an updated directory. There will be 2 directories in the Welcome Center, please check to make sure your information is current and updated. If you have any changes or additions you can contact me in the office No Later Than 4 p.m. on June 16th at 505-242-5942 or [email protected]. I will have the updated directories available at the Welcome Center on June 19th. Thank you. -AnnaMarie Padilla

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Update on St. Paul's Transition and Discernment Process

We were reminded of how the Holy Spirit works in our lives and in the world this past Pentecost Sunday; we here at St. Paul are being moved by the Holy Spirit as well.

As a part of this discernment process Pastor Holman, with permission from Bishop Gonia, moved up her announcement about her eagerly anticipated retirement; her final Sunday with us will be in August. Congratulations Pastor Holman and thanks for your 15 years of ministry at St. Paul and life-long ministry to others! St. Paul can now to include this information as we continue our discernment process. Here is a recap of the recent steps taken in our discernment and transition process:

The ideas gathered at the April Gathering for the Future meetings have been divided by theme in to six groups. These groupings will be discussed at the May meeting of the Congregation Council where the Council will authorize the Ad Hoc committees needed to address these ideas. The congregation will be invited to join Ad Hoc committees to analyze these groups of ideas.

From emails and phone conversations I have had with the synod about our upcoming pastoral transition, I want to let you know that the Synod is excited for St. Paul and feels like the discernment process we are going through will be an excellent tool to facilitate finding our next pastor. The overall process involves several steps, including identifying the proper shape of the role for transitional pastoral leadership; one of the last steps is forming a call committee which certainly does not happen while our Pastor is still under call with us. The council met on Thursday May 12th with Rev Judith VanOsdol from the Rocky Mountain Synod to discuss the details and options related to our pastoral transition.

Thanks everyone! Feel free to ask any member of council for information or clarification and know that your participation in any or all meetings and discussions is welcomed and encouraged.

Together on the journey, Alicia Ruch-Flynn, Congregation President

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Youth Group Gathering The May 21st gathering consisted of 7 students and 3 adults who enjoyed tacos and end of school/ summer discussion and games. No specific dates set so everyone check your summer calendars with your parents and watch mid and hi school group email for notices. If you have not been receiving emails from group, please let Peter B or Dana M know.

Enjoy RTLC camp over the next couple months and a big thank you to congregation for again supplementing funds for this wonderful Christian youth experience. RTLC/ Youth Sunday will be August 7th so be thinking how you want to present to the congregation.

We will explore rafting, or swim party as well as a clean up the youth room service project, other service projects and movie night.

Think about joining Friends feeding friends in July and or Aug and I will see how we might be helpful. Yay. School is out!!! - Dana Mullen

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Caring About Our Faith Community

CARDS TO SHOW YOU CARE. Often when we come to church we hear about someone who is ill, hospitalized, or in some way needing our prayers and care. Your Stephen Ministry Team has set up a card station to help with this. Now you may write a note on a card, address it, and leave it to be mailed. Feel free to bring in cards to donate, as well. Look for our table by the West doors in the Welcome Center. - Your Stephen Ministry Team

PLEASE PRAY FOR Seth Hartwell and his Family. Seth’s grandmother, Barb Hartwell, past away on May 17th in Iowa. Please pray for comfort and peace as they mourn their lost.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE a member of our Faith Community who has been ill or has had a recent surgery, on the Healing Prayers list, only with their consent, you may submit their name by email at [email protected] or fill out a yellow Prayer Request card and state with their permission you would like to add their name to the Healing Prayer list. Thank you. -AnnaMarie Padilla

WE PRAY HEALING PRAYERS FOR those who have had recent surgeries or illnesses:

Phil Wangberg

Karla Ice

Barbara Maxwell

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May 17, 2016,

Council Members…

Dealt with the issues of transition in the retirement of the Calico Butterfly Preschool Director, Doreen Kleinsasser, which include employment of an interim director, terms of an exit package, updating a position description in anticipation of hiring a permanent director, and confirmation of membership in an Ad Hoc Committee to clarify the relationship between the Preschool and the Church.

Reviewed the report and approved the next steps offered by the Council subcommittee that categorized the ideas from the congregational meetings in preparation for the Step 4 Evaluation in our transformation discernment process.

Discussed the recently completed Building Appraisal. Affirmed the request of an Exit Interview for Pastor Holman with RMS Bishop Gonia at the Congregation Council meeting on August 16, 2016.

Discussed the financial recommendations, continuing ministry concerns, celebration of her ministry, and other transition issues around Pastor Holman’s October 1 official retirement, with her final time of leading Sunday worship at St. Paul and being in the church office, scheduled for August 21.

Discussed the information received from the Synod staff member who met with the Council on May 12th regarding the next steps in the pastoral transition process, and chose to request from the Synod the placement of an Intentional Interim Pastor to begin serving the congregation after Pastor Holman’s departure in August and to begin working with us in the ongoing transformation process to define St. Paul’s next path forward.

Shirley Nilsson, Congregation Council Secretary

June, 2016

Congregation Council ALICIA RUCH-FLYNN, President, Liaison to Finance PAULA EGLINTON, PRESIDENT-ELECT, LIASION TO CALICO BUTTERFLY ROGER HEIN, Past-President GREG FLYNN, Treasurer SHIRLEY NILSSON, Secretary SIGURD STOCKING, Financial Secretary PASTOR PATRICIA HOLMAN, Senior Pastor CHRIS ADOLPHI PETER BOISSIERE KATHY BRANSON CATHERINE MAHONEY DIANA MULLEN JONATHAN ICE CHERYL SCHULTZ

As a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) Community, this congregation specifically welcomes gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered persons

as partners on the journey of faith.

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rqu

e, N

M 8

71

25

Ret

urn

Ser

vice

Req

ues

ted