Reach Out. Proclaim. Inspire.

Sept. 23, 2015

Opportunities to Serve THIS WEEK!

Eager to serve you neighbor? We have great opportunities to serve this coming week! You can make a difference at Messiah Food Pantry, Sharing and Caring Hands or Families Moving Forward.

Be a helper at the Messiah Food Pantry, Saturday, Sept. 26. Contact Cindy Carlson at ccarlson@spdlc.org.
Sign up today to help your neighbors who are experiencing homelessness through Families Moving Forward. We will be hosting up to 18 family members starting Sunday, Sept. 27 through Oct. 4. Visit our website to learn more!
You can help serve breakfast Saturday, Oct. 3 at 8:30 a.m. at Sharing and Caring Hands. Contact Ginny Steele, g1gsteele@hotmail.com or 763-475-1655.

The Texts this Weekend

This weekend is the 18th Sunday after Pentecost. The readings include James 5:13-20 and Mark 9:38-50:

John said to him, "Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us." But Jesus said, "Do not stop him; for no one who does a deed of power in my name will be able soon afterwards to speak evil of me. Whoever is not against us is for us. For truly I tell you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ will by no means lose the reward.

"If any of you put a stumbling-block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea. If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life maimed than to have two hands and to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life lame than to have two feet and to be thrown into hell., And if your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and to be thrown into hell, where their worm never dies, and the fire is never quenched.

"For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good; but if salt has lost its saltiness, how can you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another."

New High School Ministry Director - Justin Daleiden

Following an extensive search that began earlier this summer, we are delighted to announce that
Justin Daleiden will become St. Philip the
Deacon's next Director of High School Ministry. Justin comes to us with extensive experience in youth ministry, both locally and abroad. During the fall months, he will be completing work with the ELCA's Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM), where he works as a recruiter. He will join the staff of St. Philip the Deacon on Dec. 14. Learn more about Justin on our website.

Opportunities to Serve - Families Moving Forward

Your gifts of time, talent and money make a difference in the lives of families who are experiencing homelessness. We will once again be hosting a group of adults and children for one week, Sept. 27-Oct. 4.

You can sign up at the table in Fellowship Hall to host or make a dinner, do activities with families, provide groceries, stay overnight, or launder linens. You can also sign up online for various tasks at our CareCalendar site. To learn more about signing up for tasks, visit our website.

Your participation is a key part of making this ministry successful!

Contact Sandy Dockter with questions: sandymdoc@gmail.com.

PJs for FMF Family Members - Sept. 27

During our week hosting Families Moving Forward, we would like to have new pajamas for each of the guests in the program. Could you be "on-call" to help with this outreach ministry? You would receive an email by Monday, Sept. 28 with information regarding specifics, (i.e. sizes, colors). There would be a quick turnaround to purchase the PJs, as we would like to give them to the guests by the middle of the week. Please reply to Cindy Carlson, ccarlson@spdlc.org, if you would like to help with this project.

Pictorial Directories are Here!

Our new pictorial directories have arrived!

You can pick yours up at the hospitality desk in the atrium, by the west entrance. Please, only one per household.

Giving Statements Arriving Soon

Year-to-date Giving Statements will be coming to your mailbox soon. Please note that on these statements, the "Report Total" shows total contributions for the first eight months of 2015. Also note that the Let Your Light Shine Capital Appeal "Total Pledge" is for the three-year period of that appeal, which runs through April 2017.

If you have any questions about your statement, please contact Cheryl Sjaarda, Finance Administrator, at csjaarda@spdlc.org or 763-475-7124.

Thank you for your Partnership in the Gospel. Remember: Your gifts make a difference!

High School Ministry

High School Ministry is active this fall! Here are some great ways for high school students to connect and serve:

Sunday mornings - Donuts & Devotions
9:15-9:45 a.m. in the Youth Room

Tuesday afternoons - Homework & Hangout
2:45-5 p.m. in Fellowship Hall & Youth Room

Wednesday evenings - Study and Fellowship
6:30-7 p.m. - Pizza, etc
7-8 p.m. - Study & Discussion "For the Life of the World"
8-8:30 p.m. - Vespers

Saturday, Oct. 3 - Families Moving Forward, playing with children
6:30-8:30 p.m. - Bonfire and S'mores

Sunday, Oct. 11 - The Quest in the Maze
1-3:30 p.m. - Cost: $10.00 per person
Register at spdlc.churchcenteronline.com

Sunday, Oct. 25 - Fall yard clean-up service day
1-3:30 p.m. - Bring rakes, gloves and leaf blowers

Contact Deb August at daugust@spdlc.org or 763-485-7162

Faith Creek Fall Mission

Offerings given by our Faith Creek children through the weekend of Oct. 10-11 will go to benefit the Birthday Shelf at Interfaith Outreach and Community Partners. The Birthday Shelf offers IOCP clients the opportunity to choose a quality, new gift (at least $10-20) for their child, age 1-18 years. They also receive a gift bag and a book, as well as things they need to hold a party for their child: cake mix, frosting, napkins, paper plates, etc.

DivorceCare Group for Women - Sept. 22

Separation and divorce are painful and stressful experiences. They are confusing times when you feel alone and have lots of questions. DivorceCare is a confidential group support program to help participants discover hope and experience healing. Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Sept. 22 through Dec. 15. This group will be for women. A men's group will be offered in the winter/spring. Contact Pastor Valerie Strand Patterson at 763-475-7126 or vstrand@spdlc.org to sign up. Learn more about DivorceCare.

Join SPD Singers! - Sept. 23

The SPD Singers is a group of students in middle school and high school who love to sing together and perform music of all kinds. The season begins next week, on Sept. 23. Rehearsals are Wednesdays, 5:30-6:15 p.m. in the Music Center. Sign up today!

First Communion Workshop - Sept. 26

First Communion workshops are now scheduled for the coming season. They will be offered three times during the school year, with the first one being held on Saturday, Sept. 26 from 9-11 a.m. This group of kids will then receive their First Communion on Saturday, Oct. 3 at the 5:30 p.m. service. These workshops are for kids in Grade 2 and older. Parents should plan to attend with child(ren). Please register online.

Acolyte and Reader Workshop - Sept. 27

All students in grades 3-5 are invited to attend the Acolyte and Reader Workshop in the sanctuary on Sunday, Sept. 27 at noon. Learn more about these important ways to help in worship. Call or email Trisha Ragner at 763-475-7119 or tragner@spdlc.org to sign up.

Blessing of the Animals - Sept. 27

In celebration of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the Blessing of the Animals will be held on Sunday Sept. 27 at 2:30 p.m. outside the lower level entrance. Bring your pets and join us for this brief and boisterous worship service where every one of you will be individually blessed, hands on, by a pastor. (Bring your people, too!) Treats for everyone! Questions? Contact Pastor Strand Patterson at vstrand@spdlc.org.

Pastor Strand Patterson would welcome your help in setting up for the Blessing service. Helpers are invited to meet in the narthex at the conclusion of the 11 a.m. worship service .

New Member Workshop - Sept. 29

Do you know someone who is interested in becoming a member of St. Philip the Deacon? Please invite them to attend our next New Member Workshop on Tuesday, Sept. 29 at 6:30 p.m. To sign up, you can call the church office or register online at spdlc.churchcenteronline.com. Childcare is available.

Praying in Color - Sept. 29

Tuesday, Sept. 29 at 6:30 p.m. is the first of three Praying in Color events this fall. Join us for an introduction to this meditative prayer practice, and enter into a connection with God in a soulful and intentional way. Upcoming Praying in Color events will be held on Oct. 20 and Nov. 24, so mark your calendar now!

Adult Education Classes

Two Adult Education classes are offered for this fall. Registration is now open online.

Martin Luther Encounters a Radical God, with Dr. Mark Tranvik. This class isfor everyone, though it will be especially interesting to those traveling to Germany in 2016. Held on Wednesdays, Sept. 23-Oct. 14, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Learning Center.

Big Ideas from the Bible, with Pastor Cheryl Mathison and Dr. John Schultz. This series explores the big themes from scripture like baptism, communion, the trinity, and grace. Held on Mondays, Sept. 28-Nov. 16 at 6:30 p.m. in the Learning Center.

Pigs and Pigskins - Oct. 4

Phil's Guys, a men's ministry of SPD, invites guys of all ages to join them for Pigs and Pigskin on Sunday, Oct. 4 at St. Philip the Deacon. Enjoy the fun, faith, fellowship, football (Vikings vs. Broncos) and food (smoked ribs courtesy of Pastor Mark and Erik Jacobson) beginning at 3 p.m. in the Center for Faith and Life. The cost is $10 for adults, $5 for kids age 12 and under. Please register online by Oct. 1, or at the Hospitality Desk in the Atrium on the upper level.

Encounter: Gustavus Adolphus College - Oct. 8

You need not be a Gustie to join us as we enjoy a fall ride to beautiful St. Peter Minnesota and spend a day at Gustavus Adolphus College. We will worship, tour the campus, enjoy lunch and meet with Neal Hagberg, the director of Tennis and Life camp. The bus leaves at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 8 and we plan to return by 3 p.m. Please register online.

Faith & Life Lecture - Oct. 8

The 2015-2016 season of the Faith & Life Lecture Series begins on Thursday, Oct. 8 at 7 p.m. with speaker Bill George, a former chairman and CEO of Medtronic. An author of four best-selling books on values-driven leadership, Bill will address the topic, "Faith & Leadership: Finding Your True North."

Read about the rest of the Faith & Life series on the website, Faith-and-Life.org, and like our Facebook page to receive reminders of upcoming events.

The Conversation - Oct. 13

Whether you're retired, semi-retired, or just happen to be free on Tuesday afternoons, join us for a monthly gathering for fellowship and faithful conversation. We meet the second Tuesday of each month at 1 p.m. in the Center for Faith and Life. Our guest on Oct. 13 will be a special friend of our congregation, Mirlie Abraham, who will report on the Haiti school shoe project we participated in this summer.

Book Club - Oct. 20

Join Pastor Mathison for a discussion of The Conversation: A Revolutionary Plan for End-of-Life Care by Dr. Angelo Volandes
Dr. Angelo Volandes believes that every life lived well deserves a good ending. Through the stories of seven patients with seven very different end-of-life experiences, he shows that what people with a serious illness who are approaching their end-of-life need most, is not more medical technologies, but one simple thing: The Conversation.

Special Event - Dr. Volandes will be the Faith & Life Lecture Series speaker on Nov. 5.

We meet Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 7 p.m. in the Nook. Participants can purchase a copy of the book at the SPD upper level hospitality desk ($15) or borrow it from the library in the Nook, or acquire one from a bookstore or online.

Read more about Book Club on our website.

Progressive Dinner - Oct. 24

Join us for a Progressive Dinner on Saturday, Oct. 24 beginning at 6 p.m. What a great opportunity to spend time in fellowship with new and old friends! Here's how it works: You will be assigned a different home for appetizers and main course, and then everyone will gather together at church for dessert and coffee. You will be asked to provide either an appetizer, salad/bread, main course or dessert. Questions? Please contact Cindy Carlson at 763-475-7115.

Fall Festival - Oct. 25

Come to our Fall Festival on Sunday, Oct. 25 at 3 p.m., where families can enjoy Trunk-or-Treat, fall food, fun games, a petting zoo, pony rides and so much more! Visit spdlc.churchcenteronline.com to register.

Early Childhood Events

Family Playtime will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings in the month of September. Families are invited to spend a fun morning playing with your child in the Childcare Center. Playtime dates: Sept. 22, 23, 29, 30, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. No registration required.

SPARK Take-Home Bible Story Packets for 2- and 3-year-olds begins following each worship service, Oct. 3 and 4, and continues until Nov. 21 and 23. Fall SPARK Session is for 8 weeks. Packets are distributed in the Childcare Center.

Lilly Pad Storytime - Wednesday, Oct. 14 at 10 a.m. Guest adult readers will share their favorite books with the little ones.

Baptism Workshop - The next workshop is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 24 at 10:30 a.m. for families who have not previously had a child baptized at St. Philip the Deacon. To register, contact Liz Nelson at lnelson@spdlc.org.

3-Year-Olds receive Beginner Bibles - Sunday, Oct. 25, during 8:30 and 9:45 a.m. worship services.

Thank you to those who signed up to be prayer partner for a 3-year-old as they transition to Faith Creek church school!

Mother-Daughter Retreat - Dec. 4-6

Mothers and daughters (ages 10+) are invited to join us Dec. 4-6 at South Fork Farm for an incredible weekend of creativity, connection, and relaxation. This weekend will include opportunities for mothers and daughters to reconnect with each other, connect with God, and to celebrate the special relationship that is between mothers and daughters.

Register at spdlc.churchcenteronline.com. Space is limited, so register soon! Cost: $350/pair; additional participants (2nd daughter, grandma, etc.) $178.

In This Issue

Director of High School Ministry

Families Moving Forward

Pajamas for Families

Pictorial Directors are Here!

Giving Statements Arrive Soon

High School Ministry

Faith Creek Mission

DivorceCare for Women

SPD Singers

First Communion

Acolyte and Reading Workshop

Blessing of the Animals

New Member Workshop

Praying in Color

Adult Education

Pigs and Pigskins

Encounter: Gustavus Adolphus

Faith & Life Lecture

The Conversation

Book Club

Progressive Dinner

Fall Festival

Early Childhood Events

Mother-Daughter Retreat

Faithful Parenting

Parish Nurse Health Tip

The law of the Lord is perfect,

reviving the soul;

the decrees of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple;

the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;

the commandment of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eyes;

the fear of the Lord is pure, enduring for ever;

the ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.

More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold;

sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb.

Moreover by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

But who can detect their errors? Clear me from hidden faults.

Keep back your servant also from the insolent; do not let them have dominion over me.

Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Psalm 54

For Reflection

"While you are proclaiming peace with your lips, be careful to have it even more fully in your heart."
- Francis of Assisi

See more thoughts like this at fb.com/spdlc.

Faithful Parenting

Why It's Incredibly Important to Tell Stories to Kids

For most of human history, values and faith have been passed along by the spoken word in the context of one's closest relationships. Telling stories and integrating values into daily conversations was a primary way youngsters learned from their parents.