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Dear Friend of St. Philip the Deacon:
Today! Ash Wednesday services will be held today at Noon, 5:30 and 7 p.m. Worship includes Holy Communion and the Imposition of Ashes.
Bibles for First Graders: We celebrate with the first grade children this weekend as the Holy Bible is presented to them as a gift from St. Philip the Deacon. It is through the gifts of this faith community that this is made possible. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of our children!
Faith & Life Lecture: Mark your calendar for the Faith & Life Lecture on March 13 at 7 p.m. Pastor and author Nadia Bolz-Weber addresses Being Broken in a World Demanding Excellence.
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This Weekend - First Sunday in Lent
This weekend is the First Sunday in Lent. Readings for the weekend include Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7 and Matthew 4:1-11.
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished. The tempter came and said to him, 'If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.' But he answered, 'It is written, "One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God."'
Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, 'If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, "He will command his angels concerning you," and "On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone."' Jesus said to him, 'Again it is written, "Do not put the Lord your God to the test."'
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor; and he said to him, 'All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.' Jesus said to him, 'Away with you, Satan! for it is written, "Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him."'
Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him.
- Matthew 4:1-11
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Gifts of Love - March
Early Childhood and Children's Ministries are collecting "Gifts of Love" for Baby's Space throughout the month of March. Baby's Space is a Childcare Center located in the Little Earth Neighborhood, Minneapolis. All donations will provide a dispenser filled with bottled water for Baby's Space every day during 2014. Bottled water is used for infants' formula, and also promotes a healthy alternative to beverages with sugar. Donations will be collected in March with the Faith Creek student offering envelopes and in the water bottle display located in the Lower Lobby. Make a Difference in the Month of March! |
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Lenten Schedule - March 5 to April 9
Ash Wednesday services will be held at Noon, 5:30 and 7 p.m. Subsequent Wednesdays (starting March 12) during Lent begin with a soup supper from 5:30-6:45 p.m. followed by Holden Evening Worship at 7 p.m. Our theme this lent is, "I believe; help my unbelief," and we will reflect on how doubt is an integral part of faith. Check the Lenten Schedule online.
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Praying in Color through Lent
Join Pastors Mathison and Strand in the Learning Center this Sunday from 11 a.m.-Noon to experience a lovely, easy and engaging way to pray called Praying in Color. All materials will be provided, or bring your own paper, pens, or colored pencils if you prefer. No artistic ability is needed -- and you will be an expert by noon. First timers and also those who would like a refresher are welcome. We will discuss ways to use this method as a Lenten discipline. Praying in Color daily templates to use through Lent may be picked up in Fellowship Hall. Questions? Contact Pastor Strand Patterson at vstrand@spdlc.org. |
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Philip's Friends - March 6
Philip's Friends hosts Upstream Arts on Thursday, March 6 from 6:45-8 p.m. If you have a friend or family member with special needs, please share this program at SPD with them. Upstream Arts, with guest Norah Long, will join us for a fun and creative evening. Questions? Please contact Cindy Carlson at 763-475-7115 or ccarlson@spdlc.org. |
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First Communion Workshop - March 8
The final workshop of this school year is approaching. The workshop is open to kids in grades 2 and above. It will be held on Saturday, March 8 from 9-11 a.m., and the kids will receive their First Communion on Saturday, March 15 at 5:30 p.m. Contact Trisha at tragner@spdlc.org or 763-475-7119 to register. |
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The Conversation - March 11
If you are retired, semi-retired or just find yourself free the afternoon of Tuesday, March 11 from 1-2:30 p.m., please join us for The Conversation. Artist and SPD member Gail Speckmann will give a presentation on one of her favorite places: Ireland. Enjoy treats, conversation and laughter. Reservations are not needed; come and join The Conversation. Questions? Call Cindy Carlson at 763-475-711. |
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Girls' Night In - March 14
Join us Friday, March 14 for a night of girl-style fun, including crafts, games, food and tons of laughter. This event is being hosted by several high school girls (and some key adults!) as a fundraiser for Save the Children, an organization that builds schools in Kenya. Cost: $15. All proceeds will be donated to Save the Children. If you plan to be there, RSVP by March 3 to Amanda at aberger@spdlc.org or 763-475-7139. |
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Families Moving Forward - March 16-23
St. Philip the Deacon will be hosting homeless guests who will stay with us the week of March 16-23, 2014. This a great opportunity to participate as a family in helping others. Please volunteer by signing up at the Servant Ministry table in Fellowship Hall, or contact Sandy Dockter at sandymdoc@gmail.com |
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Made With Love - March 22
On Saturday, March 22 from 9-11:30 a.m., the Made With Love Ministry will be making comfy pajama pants for the "Comfort Closet" at the University of Minnesota Children's Amplatz Hospital. You are invited to help with this project, by donating fabric, cutting fabric, sewing or doing finishing work. Questions, please contact Cindy Carlson at ccarlson@spdlc.org or 763-475-7115. Fabric donations should be at least 2 yards in length. (Flannel, light-weight fleece and soft cotton in kid and teen-friendly patterns). Fabric to be dropped off in the box in Fellowship Hall by Monday, March 17, 2014. |
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Women's Retreat 2014: Soul Food! - March 28-30
What is soul food? Where do we find it? How do we practice being lovingly present with God, ourselves and others? Join us at lovely Christ the King Retreat Center in Buffalo on March 28-30 (Friday-Sunday). Episcopal priest Rev. Susan Daughtry will help us explore how our souls are to be nourished. Come for all or part of the retreat. Costs range from $60-$195. Christ the King features en suite baths, elevators, a garden room with fountain, tasty meals, a great gift shop, and caring hospitality. Interested? Contact Pastor Strand Patterson at vstrand@spdlc.org. Register today!
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Father and Daughter Date Night - April 12
You are cordially invited to spend a lovely evening with the special young lady in your life. Saturday, April 12, 7-9 p.m. This unforgettable evening will include dessert, keepsake photo and entertainment. This special evening will be for any age of daughter and her "special guy*."
Cost: $35 Register Now! Semi-formal dress is suggested. Proceeds from this event will support our girls ministry, The Soul Sisterhood Retreat. For more details contact Amanda Berger at aberger@spdlc.org or 763-475-7139.
*Grandpas, uncles or any other adult male guardian are welcome. |
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Celebrating Pastor Hoffman - May 16-18
The weekend of May 18 there will be two events where we will honor and celebrate the ministry of Pastor David Hoffman, as he prepares to retire.
Friday, May 16 - A retirement dinner is planned at the Plymouth Creek Center. The cost is $45.00 per person, and reservations are required.
Sunday, May 18 - In worship throughout the weekend we will lift up and celebrate Pastor Hoffman's 30 years of leadership and ministry at St Philip the Deacon. Refreshments will be served in Fellowship Hall between the services. |
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Alaska Trips for Sr. High Students - July and Aug.
Sr. High Students: We will be hosting two different 8 day trips to Alaska, July 20-27 and Aug. 3-10. Our groups will participate in mission work and building projects primarily in Palmer, AK, a beautiful town buried in a valley of Alaskan mountains. Be sure to register for the trip of your choice. Space is limited, so sign up a.s.a.p.!
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Soul Sisterhood Retreats - June and July
A week at camp is an incredible experience for young women to connect with one another and with God. Four week-long camps are offered in June and July. Register today or contact Amanda Berger at amanda@thesoulsisterhood.com or 763-475-7144.
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If you have questions about anything you've read here, or want to know more about St. Philip the Deacon and its ministries, please contact us at info@spdlc.org or 763-475-7100. | |
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Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
Happy are those to whom the Lord imputes no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. While I kept silence, my body wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah Then I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not hide my iniquity; I said, 'I will confess my transgressions to the Lord', and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah Therefore let all who are faithful offer prayer to you; at a time of distress, the rush of mighty waters shall not reach them. You are a hiding-place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with glad cries of deliverance. Selah I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Do not be like a horse or a mule, without understanding, whose temper must be curbed with bit and bridle, else it will not stay near you. Many are the torments of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds those who trust in the Lord. Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart. - Psalm 2
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For Reflection:
"Sometimes the happiest ending isn't the one you keep longing for, but something you absolutely cannot see from where you are."
-Shauna Niequist, American author
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