Reach Out. Proclaim. Inspire.Nov. 4, 2015
Opportunities to Serve

Eager to serve your neighbor? We have great opportunities to serve! You can make a difference in the community and in the city. Learn more.
  • Sharing and Caring Hands, serving breakfast on Saturday, Nov. 7.
  • Fire of Hope, Saturday, Nov.7-8
  • Messiah Food Shelf, Friday, Nov. 13
  • IOCP Food Shelf, Wednesday, Nov. 18
  • Holiday Food Baskets, Saturday, Nov. 21
  • Feed My Starving Children, Saturday, Nov. 28
The Texts this Weekend
 
This weekend is the 24th Sunday after Pentecost. The readings include Isaiah 25:19 and Mark 12:38-44:

As he taught, he said, "Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the market-places, and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honour at banquets! They devour widows' houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation."

He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on."
Faith & Life: Dr. Angelo Volandes - TOMORROW!

Join usTOMORROW, Nov. 5 at 7 p.m. to hear Dr. Angelo Volandes explore an unspoken tenet of American medicine -- keep patients alive at any price. Two-thirds of Americans die in healthcare institutions at bankrupting costs, even though research shows that most prefer to die at home in comfort, surrounded by loved ones. Dr. Volandes argues for a re-envisioning of the patient-clinician relationship and suggests new ways to ensure that patients will be in charge of their medical care. Visit the Faith & Life website for more information.
Promise 2016

The Promise 2016 pledge mailing has been sent out and will be arriving in your mailbox soon. This is your opportunity to make your giving pledge for the coming year to support the daily ministry of St. Philip the Deacon. These promises will be dedicated in worship the weekend of Nov. 21-23. You can return your pledge card in the offering plate in worship, or mail it to the office. Thank you for your partnership in the Gospel!
Thanksgiving Baskets

Share your blessings by helping provide food baskets to families in the Phillips neighborhood of Minneapolis. The distribution of Thanksgiving food baskets is a ministry in partnership with Messiah Lutheran Church, our sister congregation.

Cash donations are used to purchase food. Make a notation for Messiah Thanksgiving Baskets on your check to St. Philip the Deacon. A gift of $50 will purchase food for two families; any amount is greatly appreciated. The goal is to provide food baskets for 700 families. Checks may be placed in the offering plate or given to the church office.   

You can also give online. Find a link to the online giving form at spdlc.org/giving.

You'll also have the opportunity to help pack the food baskets on Saturday morning, Nov. 21. contact Pastor Valerie Strand Patterson at vstrand@spdlc.org to learn more.
Fire of Hope - Nov. 7-8

This weekend, Nov. 7-8, we are committed to keeping a fire burning for 24 hours as a symbol of hope and solidarity with our neighbors who are struggling with poverty. You can participate in Fire of Hope by signing up in Fellowship Hall for a one-hour shift to keep our fire burning. To sign up, contact Pastor Strand  at vstrand@spdlc.org. At any other time from noon on Saturday until noon on Sunday, you can join others already signed up to keep the fire burning. The more the merrier!

We are hoping for participants to sign up to tend the fire on Sunday morning, for each of the hours beginning at 5, 8, 9, 10 and 11 a.m. How about keeping the fire burning before or after your worship hour?

We will provide wood, s'mores, hot dogs, beverages, information on poverty in our area, a simple key chain project which serves as a reminder to pray for our neighbors in need, and other suggestions for prayer.    

Saturday evening from 6:30-9 p.m. in the CFL, Joan Floren, Kate Sterner and Pastor VSP will be making custom earrings to benefit IOCP. Come and design earrings with us. Great Christmas presents. Donations from $10 and up.
Sleep Out Campaign - Nov. 14-15

On Nov. 14-15, our High School students will be participating in IOCP's annual Sleep Out campaign. Over the course 20 years Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners has helped stabilize families experiencing homelessness through this campaign. SPD high school youth will be sleeping out to raise funds in support of this program. You can donate online to the annual Sleep Out and help us support 2,000 families in our area that need our help.

High school youth can register online to participate. Cost $10 per person.
Encounter: Black Forest Inn - Nov. 13

Martin Luther was born Nov. 10, 1483. Let's raise a toast in his honor and celebrate with a Bavarian-style dinner at the Black Forest Inn in Minneapolis. We will meet on Friday, Nov. 13 at St. Philip at 6:30 p.m. and ride a bus to dinner. $40 per person, which includes dinner, entertainment, motorcoach transportation, tax and gratuities. Register online at: spdlc.churchcenteronline.com. Questions? Please contact Cheryl Mathison or Cindy Carlson.
Elementary Movie Night - Nov. 13

All kids in grades K-5 are invited to join us for movie night on Friday, Nov. 13 at 6 p.m. You are welcome to bring a blanket and pillow and wear your pajamas, if you'd like. We'll eat pizza, watch the movie and relax with our friends. Cost is $5 per person for pizza, drink, and dessert. Register online at by Wednesday, Nov. 11 at spdlc.churchcenteronline.com.
Prayer Breakfast - Nov. 15

All are welcome to attend the Community Prayer Breakfast for an early morning of reflection and inspiration. The event includes breakfast, a special speaker, music and a prayer liturgy. This year's speaker will be  the founder of CEL Marketing, and St. Philip the Deacon member, Cindy Leines, who will speak on "Replacing Fear with Faith: The Journey." Join us on Friday, Nov. 13 at 7:15 a.m. at the Wayzata Country Club, 200 W. Wayzata Blvd. for this special event. Cost $20 per person. All proceeds go to benefit Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners. Register online.
Book Club - Nov. 17

Join the Book Club on Tuesday, Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. for a discussion of the book, The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism by Timothy Keller.

In this book, Pastor Timothy Keller addresses the frequent doubts that skeptics and non-believers bring to religion. Using literature, philosophy, anthropology, pop culture, and intellectual reasoning, Keller explains how the belief in a Christian God is, in fact, a sound and rational one. Join Dr. John Schultz, St. Philip the Deacon member, superintendent of the Hopkins School District and Luther Seminary student, for an exploration of doubt and reason.
Grief Coalition Memorial Service & Dinner - Nov. 19

The West Suburban Grief Coalition invites the public to a candlelight memorial service, followed by a catered dinner, on Thursday, Nov. 19 at 6 p.m. at Messiah United Methodist, our neighboring congregation at 17805 County Road 6 in Plymouth. The memorial service helps bring comfort, hope and healing to everyone attending that have suffered the death of a loved one. Make your reservation by Tuesday, Nov. 17 by calling Marilyn Dahlmeier at 763-560-8624. Adults $8, and $4 for children under 10.
Metropolitan Symphony Concert - Nov. 22

St. Philip the Deacon is hosting a concert of the Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra on Sunday, Nov. 22 at 4 p.m. The concert features violinist Roger Frisch playing the Violin Concerto No. 3 (2012) by Stephen Paulus, as well as Johannes Brahms' Symphony No. 2 in D major, op. 73. William Schrickel is the orchestra's conductor. The concert is open to the public, and a free-will offering will be collected. Learn more at www.msomn.org.
 
Thanksgiving Worship - Nov. 25

On the eve of Thanksgiving, we gather in worship to give thanks to God for all the blessings in our lives. Make time for a break from all your busy holiday preparations on Wednesday, Nov. 25 at 7 p.m. for this joyous Thanksgiving service ... and stay for some pumpkin pie and a time of fellowship afterward in Fellowship Hall!
Feed My Starving Children - Nov. 28

Join the crew on Thanksgiving weekend,  Saturday, Nov. 28 from 9-11 a.m. as we serve as volunteers at Feed My Starving Children, Chanhassen location. We reserved space to pack meals, with a minimum participant age of 3rd grade. This will be an opportunity for the whole family, young and old alike, to serve others. Make service to others a part of your family Thanksgiving tradition! Questions? Contact Cindy Carlson at ccarlson@spdlc.org or 763-475-7115. You may also register online at fmsc.org, group #550481.
Winter Jackets

We are collecting warm winter jackets for men, women and children of all sizes that will be distributed to a variety of shelters. There is a particular need for men's and women's sizes L, XL and XXL sizes. Coats can be used, however they should be clean and in good condition. Please drop them off in Fellowship Hall.
Holiday Store - Dec. 5

Once again this year we will create the opportunity for 400 children from the inner city to choose Christmas gifts for their caregivers. Shopping lists (our goal is 850 $20 gifts), drop off bins, and volunteer signup sheets will be in Fellowship Hall this weekend. Our deadline for collecting these gifts is Monday, Nov. 30.

Thank you for being part of this ministry!
Make a Minute for Christmas - Dec. 6

This year instead of our usual Family Christmas Celebration we thought we'd "Make a Minute for Christmas!" There will still be many of the elements that you enjoy, but we are going to add service projects, "Minute to Win It" Games, a carol-a-long, tacos for dinner, as well as lots of fun time to hang out with your family. Be sure to "Make a Minute for Christmas" this year! Sunday, Dec. 6 from 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. Cost is $5 per person ages 3 and up. Registration is required by Dec 2!
SPD Outdoors Ice Fishing Retreat - Jan. 28-31

The 2nd Annual SPD Outdoors Ice Fishing Retreat on beautiful Lake of the Woods is scheduled for Jan. 28-31, 2016. Join Pastor Mark Schmid and Roger Elias for a time of faith, fellowship and fishing. Located 5 1/2 hours (315 miles) north of St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church, Lake of the Woods has built a reputation over the years as one of the premier fishing lakes in the country. Pairing scenery, location and a diverse and healthy fishery, the lake boasts trophy-size Walleye, as well as Sauger, Northern Pike and Jumbo Perch.   

Accommodations will be provided by Wheelers Point Resort and Lodge in Baudette, MN. Cost is $395.00 per person (includes room and board). Register online! There are 24 slots, and the deadline to reserve your spot is Dec. 31.

For more information, contact Roger Elias at rwelias@comcast.net, or Pastor Mark Schmid at mschmid@spdlc.org. 
Early Childhood Events

SPARK Take-Home Bible Story Packets for 2- and 3-year-olds begins following each worship service now through until Nov. 21 and 22. Fall SPARK Session is for 8 weeks and begins with the Bible Story, Creation. Parents, remember to pick up your child's packet in the Childcare Center each weekend for the next eight weeks. Packets are distributed in the Childcare Center.

Baptism Workshops -The next workshop is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 22 at 11 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. Parents who have previously had a child baptized at SPC and wish to have another child baptized should contact Liz.

Lilly Pad Storytime - Wednesday, Nov. 18, 10 a.m. in the Lilly Pad Library, lower level. Held monthly, October-May. Includes puppets with Lois Petersen. No registration.

Family Playtime - Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. Spend a fun morning playing with your child in the Childcare Center. Next playtime dates: Nov. 10 and 11, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. No registration is required.
In This Issue
Faith & Life
Promise 2016
Thanksgiving Baskets
Fire of Hope
Sleep Out Campaign
Encounter: Black Forest Inn
Elementary Movie Night
Prayer Breakfast
Book Club
Grief Coalition Memorial
Metro Symphony Concert
Thanksgiving Pie
Winter Jackets
Holiday Store
Make a Minute for Christmas
Ice Fishing Retreat
Early Childhood Events
Faithful Parenting
Parish Nurse Health Tip
 
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Praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord, O my soul!

I will praise the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God all my life long.

Do not put your trust in princes, in mortals, in whom there is no help.

When their breath departs, they return to the earth; on that very day their plans perish.

Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God,

who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them;

who keeps faith for ever; who executes justice for the oppressed; who gives food to the hungry.

The Lord sets the prisoners free; the Lord opens the eyes of the blind.

The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down; the Lord loves the righteous.

The Lord watches over the strangers; he upholds the orphan and the widow, but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.

The Lord will reign for ever, your God, O Zion, for all generations.

Praise the Lord!

Psalm 146  
For Reflection
 
"Today, see each problem as an invitation to prayer."
- John Ortberg
 
See more thoughts like this at fb.com/spdlc.
  
Faithful Parenting
 
Why I love the huge dent in my floor

In our kitchen, there is a huge dent in the floor. I see it every day. When I look at that big gouge, I can feel my emotions rising, and I feel ... love? Yes, love. Here's the story ...


Get Your Vitamin D from the Sun

With darker days becoming a reality for Minnesotans, we need to be careful that we get an adequate amount of sunlight and vitamin D.

Sun triggers vitamin D synthesis. Sunlight doesn't technically supply us with vitamin D; our bodies produce their own when UVB rays contact the skin. Sun exposure is the most cost-effective medical method we have for boosting vitamin D. Experts agree that a little sun can go a long way. A typical recommendation is to get between five and 20 minutes of midday sun depending on skin type, season, and other variables. Of course, be aware of over-exposure to the sun, which can cause damage to your skin.

Vitamin D facts:

1. It helps maintain bone health. A major role of vitamin D is maintaining normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium to improve bone health and prevent fractures.
2. Vitamin D also affects cardiac health. Research published in JAMA Internal Medicine shows that those with the lowest vitamin D levels have a 20 percent greater risk of dying from heart disease over an eight-year period compared with those with the highest levels.
3. It may affect mood. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) a mood disorder featuring depressive symptoms, occurs during dark times of the year when we have relatively little sunshine, coinciding with the sudden drop in vitamin D in the body. Studies suggest changing levels of vitamin D3 may affect serotonin levels of the brain.

Minnesota physicians are routinely checking vitamin D levels. Especially in the winter in Minnesota, exposure to the sun is important to maintain vitamin D levels. Vitamin D supplements are helpful when you are not able maintain a safe and adequate sun exposure. Check with your medical clinic to see what they recommend for you.

Get out for a daily walk in the sun. Let the sun shine down on you and bring you health.

Health and Blessings,




Susan Path
Parish Nurse 
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.