Activities_outgoing

St. Paul's United
Church of Christ
A Community of Caring
900 Summit Avenue
St. Paul - Minnesota
651-224-5809

An
Open
and
Affirming
Congregation

	ACTIVITIES - News & Member Information
	Worship/ Member Information	Fellowship
	Bill of Rights Church Council News continued from home page below Church Council Members Church Council Committees History -"Big Faith": A bit of St. Paul's History Meditation Garden Peace Pole Organ & Bell Renovation s Organ CD Project REMINDERS Church Office, Contribution Envelopes The Epistle deadlines, Fireside Kitchen Information Update Forms, Refrigerators Snow Birds Sunday School see Youth page	Books and Coffee Capital City Grief Coalition FAN Friend and Neighbors Friends in Fellowship United Leisure Age Center (ULAC) Working Women's Circle

Church Council Information and Committees
COUNCIL CONNECTION Here are some very brief highlights of what your Church Council has been doing lately: A committee is formed to put a Parish Nurse program into action for our members. A major part of this program is being funded by the St. Paul's Family Resources Foundation Heritage Grant and the rest is covered by church funding. Connie Brackins has agreed to head up this effort and will be working with Sandy Van Horn, Bill Jahnke, Lynn Carroll, and Norma Rae Hunt. A task force has been created to re-examine how space is used within the office area and other meeting rooms of the church, with the goal of utilizing our space more efficiently. Members of the task force include Gail Westby, John Bauer, Anita McCarthy, Gloria Kulenkamp, Tom Hinrichs, Cheryl Erickson, and Norma Rae Hunt. A task force is being created to re-examine our governance structure and bylaws. Its goal will be to create some interim structure while researching a more permanent structure that works more effectively with today's volunteer wants and needs and busy calendars. Members of this committee are: Bob Galkiewicz, Mary MacGregor, Steve Zitnick, Gail Westby, and Norma Rae Hunt. Christian Education programming for all ages will expand to include learning sessions for adults and children on Sunday mornings this fall...stay tuned! The Council supports the recommendation of the Worship/CE Committee to seek a part-time Director of Christian Education. The transitional position of Director of Children�s Worship, filled by Patricia McKee, will end when the new position is filled. The Childhood Center has completed the move of all the children from the Little Angels building (the former parsonage) into the church building. In addition a new playground has been created in the courtyard, complete with a handsome security fence. The new playground is working well and looks beautiful...please take a minute to check it out when you are next at church! Speaking of the parsonage, we have had it appraised in preparation for selling it. An interested buyer is in the act of getting their own appraisal in preparation for negotiations. The Council receives a report from our Pastor at every Council meeting. This report includes among other items a breakdown of her weekly hours by work areas (preaching/worship, administration, pastoral care, wider church, etc.). The Council recognizes the demands of this position and supports a reduction of Norma Rae Hunt's hours (often 60 hours or more per week!) to be in line with the Minnesota Conference Guidelines of 45 hours per week for full-time clergy. In an attempt to get these hours more in balance, Norma Rae has begun to take Monday as a day off. In addition, Norma Rae spends Fridays at home preparing sermons. Please be aware of this new schedule and understand that Pastor Hunt can still be reached by cell phone if an emergency requires. The Council approved a search for a very part-time �Visitation Pastor� to assist with pastoral visits and funerals as needed. 2008 CHURCH COUNCIL MEMBERS Val Bump�Secretary Cheryl Erickson�Treasurer Bob Galkiewicz�Co-President Tom Hinrichs, Norma Rae Hunt�Interim Minister Gloria Kulenkamp Curtis Loewe Gary Major Anita McCarthy Sharlene Shelton Sandy Van Horn Gail Westby�Co-President Steve Zitnick CHURCH COUNCIL COMMITTEES Church Council minutes are posted on the Bulletin Board in the Narthex. Worship Committee: has responsibility in the areas of church services, time schedules and music. Christian Education Committee: has responsibility for children�s education, youth education and programs, adult education and children�s music programs. Church Administration (Personnel) Committee: has responsibility for personnel, ordination and installation, ministries, scholarship, nominating, planning and administration. Building and Grounds Committee: has responsibility for the building and grounds, and rents. (According to the by-Laws this committee should also be responsible for the budget.) Ministry Committee: is responsibility for stewardship, fund drives, pastoral care, membership, congregation Fellowship, histories and anniversaries. Outreach Committee: is responsible for evangelism and publicity, denominational and ecclesiastical relations, benevolence, social action and child care. return to top
	On the Road to Open and Affirming
		At St. Paul's Church of Christ Annual Meeting on Sunday January 30, 2000 the vote was unanimous for our church to become "Open & Affirming". Open & Affirming: St. Paul's UCC adopted as a motto some years ago the slogan that states, that "We Are A Home For All Christians". This step was an effort to define the meaning of all. What we are saying is that St. Paul's is a home for all people of faith regardless of race, gender, orientation, physical or mental limitation. To help us in the process there were 3 forums on Sunday mornings in December to guiding our thoughts and expanding our understanding of this statement: Our church Council President successfully conducted the meeting which was attended by approximately 130 people and adjourned with all joining hands and saying the Lord's Prayer
		We, the Congregation of St. Paul's United Church of Christ, declare ourselves to be open and affirming: With God's grace, we seek to be a congregation that includes all persons, embracing differences of sexual orientation, gender, marital status, age, mental and physical ability, as well as racial ethnic, or social-economic background. We welcome all to share in the life and leadership, ministry, and fellowship, worship, sacraments, responsibilities and blessings of participation in our congregation.
	If you have any questions , please do not hesitate to give the church office a call at 651-224-5809 or email church office

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"Big Faith" A bit of History of St. Paul's
Thanks to Florence M. for her historical notes.

Part 1:

A group of German immigrants were members of Trinity Lutheran Church in St. Paul. They disagreed radically with the policy of the church to which they belonged in regard to certain restrictions placed upon them. We don�t know the whole story, but from early writings in our church records we know that a number of members resented the policy of the Synod in regard to lodges and secret societies. The synod was opposed to all lodges. There were members of the church who could not reconcile themselves to that viewpoint. They had to choose between the lodges and leaving the church. They left the congregation, and they soon realized they needed a church. There were meetings held (we don�t know how many) and on Sept 7, 1879 the first worship service of a new congregation called St. Paul�s was held. There were fifteen men who signed the original documents. The new little congregation was alive and growing. The first baby was baptized on Sept. 28, the first wedding was Oct. 29, the first funeral Oct. 28. Confirmation was held on March 21, 1889.

The congregation met in a small rented building on Temperance Street until Dec 30, 1883, when they moved to our first �owned� building on 11^th and Minnesota Streets. (Now under I 94). There is a photo of this building in the display along the classroom hallway. The church debt rose to $12,000.

Part 2:

The new congregation of St. Paul�s was not affiliated with any synod. About 1887 contact was made with the Evangelical Synod of North America. It was several years later before the congregation actually joined the synod. In November 1900, Rev Karl Koch and his family moved into the parsonage, which was the first floor of the church building. In January 1901, there were 18 families who joined the little congregation. By the time the church celebrated its 25th anniversary, all debts were paid, and a large festival service was held.

The church was now growing rapidly. There were two women�s groups. The Frauen Verein and Tabea Society were both active in fund raising and in making sure the church was always prepared for services.

About 1911, the church council found out that the property was needed for a new expanded business in St. Paul. Our records do not indicate just what the project was, but we had to move. In 1911 a piece of property was purchased at the corner of St. Peter and Tilton Streets, and the women�s guilds paid for a new parsonage. So the new church building site was chosen to be the corner lot on the same block. The church would be on the corner, the parsonage next door. The church building itself was ready in November 1915. This was our new �home�. All was well.

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Meditation GardenG

For those wanting to attend to minor landscaping, your efforts are always welcome.

If you enjoy gardening, have we got a deal for you. Sections of our Meditation Garden are up for adoption. Individuals, families, and groups, this is your chance to get down and dirty weeding and planting at church!
But before we can get planting, we need help buying bedding plants.
Please help if you can, since the garden plants are not in the budget this year! Just mark your offering "Meditation Garden Flowers." Thanks to all who have helped in the past, and welcome to all who can join us this year, on behalf of the Building and Grounds Committee, John B and Mary M.

PEACE POLE DEDICATION
If you were not a part of the Peace Pole dedication, please plan on stopping by and taking a look.
Not only is the peace Pole inspirational, the flowers look magnificent. Thank you to all of you who helped with the Peace pole planting and the work that went into making
the area presentable for the Dedication Ceremony

Peace Pole
"May Peace Prevail on Earth"
in 12 different languages.
Top Level: (Beginning with English and going around counter clock wise)
English, Hebrew, German, MN Ojibwa, Swedish, French
Bottom Level: (Beginning beneath English and going around counter clock wise)
Somali, Italian, Hmong, Gaelic, Spanish, Japanese.
When spring comes and the ground thaws,
the Peace Pole will permanently place in the Meditation garden

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ORGAN

Organ CD Project

Thanks to everyone who contributed to the organ fund! While the organ has held up very well since the original organ was built in 1918; it occasionally needs repairs and improvements over and above the normal maintenance costs. Your contributions will ensure that our beautiful organ continues to fill the sanctuary with inspiring sound and musical support for the congregation and choir.
If you have not had the opportunity to contribute yet, please see Geoff after church. For a minimum contribution of $20, you can support the organ and have a free CD of organ music at St. Paul's from the Lenten and Easter season.
The CD also includes a special booklet of photos and text. Special thanks to Tom Hinrichs for volunteering his time to prepare the booklet.

If there is interest, Tom and Geoff are considering future CD's around special themes, such as wedding music, Christmas music, and/or organ favorites. If you have any special musical requests for future CD's, please see Geoff.

Our Church Council authorized important renovation work on the Sanctuary organ.
The improvements consisted of the following:

	Computerization of the control system, including the addition of a midi-system. A midi system will allow us to add new sounds to supplement the organ's pipes, automatic transposing and a feedback system. the new control system will improve the organ's reliability and eliminate the dead notes. The feedback system allows the organist to record performances on a computer disk for later playback.
	The repair and expansion of the swell shades. These are the shutters that open and close within the organ box to control the organ's volume. In addition to repairing the current shutters, new sound holes have been added with shutters to increase the dynamic range of the organ.

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NEW BELL RINGING SYSTEM

Although you may not see it, there is a whole new system for ringing the church bell. The system has been installed by Chime Master. We will be able to ring the bells during the winter. The new system is a gift from Carl Gaetke in honor of his wife. The dedication for this gift and other memorials this year will be a part of the 125th anniversary events this fall.

Reminders

We have a very lively and valued tradition of Passing the Peace on Sunday morning. The Council would like to recommend for those who choose not to shake hands for medical or personal reasons to clasp your hands together and then acknowledge the person that approaches you by saying �The Peace of Christ� In this way we hope to honor both the significance of this ritual for the worshiping congregation and the individual needs of some members.
Church Office - Many individuals and groups, including Church Staff use the office space. Please leave the space as you originally found it. Spills should be cleaned and items returned to their original place. If you "borrow" something please return it.
Contribution Envelopes - If you have not been able to pick up your Contribution Envelopes, please call the Church office at 651-224-5809.
Deadlines - The Epistle deadlines are published in each issue. Put info/articles in mail cubby marked "Secretary" in Church Office.
Fireside Kitchen Refrigerators - The Fireside kitchen refrigerators will be emptied every Thursday afternoon. If you put an item in the refrigerator and want to use it for at future time, please put the date on the item(s) when they will be used. Anything without a date will be thrown away. In addition, please help us maintain the kitchen by wiping the counters and tables off after use.
Snow Birds - If you are leaving for a warmer climate (what's wrong with snow and 25 below wind-chill?), please contact the Church Office with your forwarding address and your expected date of return. Have a safe trip!

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Fellowship


Books and Coffee - Newcomers Welcome!
	Books & Coffee will meet at noon on Monday, September 17, in the Fireside Room. Please bring your own sandwich or salad. Our hostess will provide dessert and coffee. For this gathering, we ask for you to bring your book reading suggestions for the year.. If you don�t regularly attend, call our hostess, Betty Lund so that we can have a place ready for you at the table. Newcomers are always welcome.
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Capital City Grief Coalition
	The Capital City Grief Coalition was founded in the spring of 1999. Several Catholic and Protestant churches are part of the Coalition and take turns hosting the groups for three-month sessions. The Capital City Grief Coalition meets weekly at The House of Hope Presbyterian Church (797 Summit Ave., St. Paul) on Thursdays at 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. T If you, or someone you know, could benefit from these groups, please come or call for more information: Lois Knutson, Coalition Coordinator at 651-227-4430. (Purple brochures are available on the rack in the narthex.)
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FAN Club (Summit Hill Friends And Neighbors)
	Please feel free to drop in at the Summit Hill FAN Club, which meets each Thursday from 11:00 to 1:00 in the Fireside Room. FANs are *Friends And Neighbors* who get together for socializing, exercise, a meal, short programs, and services like blood pressure testing and (by appointment) foot care. There is no charge except for lunch and foot care. On the last Thursday of each month, members of the former ULAC (United Leisure Age Center) join the group. FAN Club is hosted, by the Summit Hill Living At Home Block Nurse Program, which offices here, at the church. For more information, please call Julie or Sue at 651-222-7884.
FAN ACTIVITY SCHEDULE 11:00 Low-key exercise for seniors & friends 12:00 Lunch ($4 donation requested) 12:30 -1:00 pm Program	UPCOMING "FAN" CLUB ACTIVITIES includes chair exercise Aug. 21 Discuss Ideas for Fall Programs Aug. 28 Speaker Shannon Judd, Touching Hearts Sept. 4 Record memories of Summer Sept. 11 Speaker Sept. 18 Movie Sept. 25 Foot care; by appointment only, Blood Pressure
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Friends in Fellowship	Watch this space for information on Friends in Fellowship
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United Leisure Age Center	The "New ULAC" will continue to meet the last Wednesday of the month. Their schedule will remain the same and it will be bring your own sandwich for lunch - dessert and beverage provided
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Working Women�s Circle	The Working Women's Circle meets the first Monday of the month. Please join us for fun, food and fellowship The new millennium brought about many changes for all of us. For some of us in the Working Women�s Circle it also brought about the loss of two very dear and beloved friends and family members � Marilyn K and Pamella K. On April 1st, colon cancer took Pam. On July 9th, Marilyn lost a very long and courageous battle with leukemia. The joy and laughter that they brought to our group was immeasurable. In honor of both Marilyn and Pam, the Working Women�s group wanted to do a banner or some sort of wall hanging in remembrance. Our first "idea" was to do a large butterfly and flower suspended from the ceiling in the narthex so they would be free-floating objects. In the planning of these items, we found out that the security sensors would pick up any inevitable movement the banners would make and set off the alarms. That idea was then scratched. Our second idea was to make a giant butterfly and attach it to a wall. However, the background of the butterfly was to be made from black material with brightly colored pieces of material on the wings. We worked on getting the butterfly shape cut out and the body constructed. On the night that we were going to see how the beginnings of the butterfly looked, Lois B joined us (bless Lois!). When we held this giant butterfly up to the wall, we immediately burst into gales of laughter because it looked as if Batman had gone "SPLAT" on the wall in the narthex. After a considerable amount of time, we were finally able to stop laughing (we were sure that Pam and Marilyn were laughing right along with us) and realized that having a wall hanging looking like a tribute to Batman�s last moments was definitely NOT what we had envisioned. Our group was at a total loss as to what to do next � we were completely out of ideas. Again, many blessings to Lois who came to the groups� rescue. She came up with the idea and "prototype" of a garden idea. With many thanks to Lois B for her insight, talent, and artistic ability, the banners are everything that we could possibly want them to be. Besides always supplying us with yummy treats, Lois patiently guided us and taught us many things in the hours that we spent as a group working on these banners. We hope you will find the same peace and beauty in these banners that we do.

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