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Happenings
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11/29
Office Closed
11/30
Christmas Tree Decorating
Sanctuary
7:30 PM to 10:30 PM
Bridge
Poppen Hall
12/1
9:30 AM to 11:00 AM
Worship w/Communion
Sanctuary
10:45 AM to 11:30 AM
Sunday School
Upstairs Classrooms
12:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Bridge
Poppen Hall
12/2
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Staff Meeting
Fireside Room
5:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Angelic Choir
Jr. Choir Room
5:30 PM to 7:00 PM
Pizza Night
Youth Room
6:30 PM to 7:00 PM
Sing and Ring
Jr. Choir Room
7:00 PM to 8:15 PM
Confirmation
Upstairs Classrooms
12/3
9:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Fireside Room Decorating
Fireside Room
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
PBWY
Sandrock Hall
12/5
7:00 AM to 8:00 AM
Men's Breakfast
Bethany Room
12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Bridge
Poppen Hall
6:30 PM to 7:45 PM
Bells
Sanctuary
8:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Chancel Choir
Sr. Choir Room
12/7
7:30 PM to 10:30 PM
Bridge
Poppen Hall
12/8
9:30 AM to 11:00 PM
Worship w/communion
Sanctuary
10:45 AM to 11:30 AM
Sunday School
Upstairs Classrooms
12:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Bridge
Poppen Hall
12/9
12:00 AM
Confirmation Home Study
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Staff Meeting
Fireside Room
5:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Angelic Choir
Jr. Choir Room
6:30 PM to 7:00 PM
Sing and Ring
Jr. Choir Room
12/10
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Bingo at Gateshead
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Christian Ed Meeting
Fireside Room
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
PBWY
Sandrock Hall
12/11
7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Listening For God
Off Site
12/12
Epistle Deadline
12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Bridge
Poppen Hall
6:30 PM to 7:45 PM
Bells
Sanctuary
8:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Chancel Choir
Sr. Choir Room
12/13
7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
GM Choir
Sanctuary
12/14
9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Sunday School Christmas Program Rehearsal
Sanctuary
7:30 PM to 10:30 PM
Bridge
Poppen Hall
12/15
9:30 AM to 11:00 AM
Worship w/Communion
Sanctuary
10:45 AM to 11:45 AM
Children's Program
Sanctuary
12:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Bridge
Poppen Hall
12/16
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Staff Meeting
Fireside Room
5:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Angelic Choir
Jr. Choir Room
6:30 PM to 7:00 PM
Sing and Ring
Jr. Choir Room
7:00 PM to 8:15 PM
Confirmation
Youth Room
12/17
12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Naomi Circle
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
PBWY
Sandrock Hall
12/18
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Council Meeting
Bethany Room
12/19
12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Bridge
Poppen Hall
6:30 PM to 7:45 PM
Bells
Sanctuary
8:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Chancel Choir
Sr. Choir Room
12/21
7:30 PM to 10:30 PM
Bridge
Poppen Hall
12/22
9:30 AM to 11:00 AM
Worship w/Communion
Sanctuary
10:45 AM to 11:30 AM
Sunday School
Upstairs Classrooms
12:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Bridge
Poppen Hall
12/23
Confirmation Home Study
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
staff Meeting
Fireside Room
5:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Angelic Choir
Jr. Choir Room
6:30 PM to 7:00 PM
Sing and Ring
Jr. Choir Room
12/24
4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Christmas Eve Service
Sanctuary
7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Christmas Eve Service
Sanctuary
11:00 PM to 11:45 PM
Christmas Eve Service
Sanctuary
12/26
12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Bridge
Poppen Hall
6:30 PM to 7:45 PM
Bells
Sanctuary
8:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Chancel Choir
Sr. Choir Room
12/28
7:30 PM to 10:30 PM
Bridge
Poppen Hall
12/29
10:45 AM to 11:30 AM
Sunday School
Upstairs Classrooms
12:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Bridge
Poppen Hall
12/30
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Staff Meeting
Fireside Room
5:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Angelic Choir
Jr. Choir Room
6:30 PM to 7:00 PM
Sing and Ring
Jr. Choir Room
12/31
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
PBWY
Sandrock Hall
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Prayers of the People | | |
Click here for the Prayers of the People
Our condolences to the family of George Grenzke on his death on Thursday, November 28, 2013.
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Do you have a church-related event or announcement you'd like to share with the GP community? E-mail communications@stpaulgp.org and we'll spread the word for you!
Please note: submissions must be received at least 2 weeks in advance to ensure publication.
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MEET STEPHANIE YU!
|  We want to take a moment to officially welcome our new Organist and Bell Choir Director, Ms. Stephanie Yu to St. Paul Lutheran Church. Stephanie joined our musicteam in October and we are excited to have her working with us along side Eric Millerand Maggie Baker! music is such an important part of our worship here at St. Paul andwe are delighted to welcome her.
Stephanie comes to us with a wide range of liturgical experience including St. Cyril & Methodius Slovak Catholic Church, St. Andrew Kim Korean Catholic Church, Sacred Heart Seminary, Holy Name Catholic Church, Temple Israel, and most recently St. Lucy Croatian Catholic Church. Her diversity of experience includes serving as the music minister at several congregations, accompanist, and assistant organist. In addition to an accomplished organist, her musical abilities include leadership as cantor, coordinator of music for weddings and funerals, Vacation Bible School leader and youth groups, and accompanist to the Wayne State University Women's Chorale.
Stephanie has an earned Bachelor of Science degree (cum laude) in Biology & Hispanic Studies from University of Michigan, Dearborn, Bachelor of Music (summa cum laude) in Organ Performance from Wayne State University, Master of Organ Performance (GPA 4.0) from University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and is currently studying organ performance as a doctoral student at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. She is also taking private lessons to advance her skills at bell ringing as a leader of our bell choir. Stephanie is also a Member of the Pi Kappa Lambda National Music Honor Society.
We are so very pleased to have Stephanie as part of our worship. Please join us in welcoming Stephanie to St. Paul, and take a moment to introduce yourself to her and make a special effort to enjoy both the prelude and postlude music! |
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Adult Forum:
December 1: End-of-Life Planning and Advance Directives
Presenter: Alvin Bowles, M.D., Emeritus Chair, Ethics Committee, Henry Ford Health System
A Christian perspective on planning for the end of life and the need for advance directives.
Living the Word Sunday School
The children and youth will dress in their costumes for a photograph with the Grosse Pointe News at 11:00 in the Chancel. The remaining time will be spent going through the program. The High School youth who are not part of the Christmas program will plan their upcoming service projects and then work in the non-food pantry.
Christmas Past and Present
The annual gift of the children and youth to the congregation will be presented on Dec 15 at 10:45 under the direction of Susan Kvale. All children and youth are welcome to participate! Please contact Susan to do so; it's not too late. Children and youth are also encouraged to share their gifts of music prior to the program and may arrange this through Susan. Participation during Sunday School is very important in helping the children feel confident and prepared to enjoy the event. Dress rehearsal is Saturday Dec. 14 from 9:30 to 11:30.
Vibrant Faith On Line Retreat for Young Adults
This might be for yourself or a young adult you love. All you need is an email address and internet access. Explore: How can you authentically live out your faith in your daily life? How can you stay aware of the presence of God through challenges and discouragement? This four-week online retreat will help you reflect on Christ's presence with you, right where you are. WHEN: Advent 2013. Sunday, December 1 through Thursday, December 26. FORMAT * Four week experience with three email "reflections" each week sent to registered participants on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday. (Also posted in a private Facebook group for retreat participants.) * Each short reflection is followed by reflection questions for participants. Each reflection includes practical ideas to illuminate your everyday life as a young adult. Download a sample: When We're Not Living the Dream*Participants are then encouraged to share their own reflections in a private Facebook group. Rachel will monitor discussion and make appropriate responses. (Instructions for joining the group are provided when you register.) * Live 30 minute webinar with Rachel on Tuesday, December 3, 9pm CST.
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Gleaners
|  Next Gleaners Food Bank workday is Saturday, December 7 from 9-11 am. Share the joys of Christmas by helping those in need. Please sign-up so we can submit a head count for planning purposes. Our goal is to have a group of 20 attend. Sign-up poster is located in the narthex or contact Shelley Reisen at 882-8099 or treisen@comcast.net. Meet at the church at 8:30 to carpool. Please note that due to the nature of the work involved, Gleaners prefers age middle school to adult participating in this event. |
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Gateshead Holiday Celebration
|  St. Paul will be hosting a Holiday Celebration at Gateshead Crossing Senior Living Center, Dec. 10th at 1:00. We will be doing a craft and raffling off Gift Baskets for the residents. Gifts of specialty foods (Sanders candy, hot fudge sauce, teas, hot chocolate mix, crackers, cookies, etc.), Christmas Cards and postage stamps, skin care products, festive paper plates and napkins, warm hat, scarf and gloves, and other holiday items would be appreciated. A basket is in the Harms Fireside Room for donations of these special things. Please contact Margy Huizinga if you are able to help with this event.
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Listening For God
|  Listening for God will be starting a new book on January 8, 2014. We invite any woman who loves reading to join us in this study of literature and faith. We meet the second Wednesday of the month at 7:30 pm, usually in a member's home or at church. Started by Pastor Colleen Kamke, we have been in existence for almost twenty years now and have maintained a strong desire to support each other in faith and prayer.
If you wish to participate please purchase (or borrow from the library) a copy of The Red Tent by Anita Diamant. This fiction account of the life of Dinah tells the story of the traditions and turmoils of ancient womanhood. Dinah is the sister of Joseph and his brothers from the book of Genesis. An announcement of the exact time and place of our January meeting will be published in the bulletin in early January. If you have questions, email Linda Bauer at linda20311@comcast.net or call 586-226-2276. We look forward to seeing you in the New Year!
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Discernment and Call Committees Formed
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 The Church Council has appointed the following members to serve on the Discernment and Call Committees. Discernment Committee
Lela Creighton
Shawn Cugliari
Rick Grenzke
Chris Hardenbrook
Doug Jenzen
Heidi Korte
Mary Ann Magill
Mary Weiland
Call Committee
Patti Dougherty
Paul Kvale
Michele Miller
Bob Mobley
Christopher Profeta
Tim Reisen
Laura Rooney
Gary Spezia
Cheryl Wiseman
With these appointments, we enter into the process to call a new pastor to St. Paul. The Discernment Committee will begin their work in early December. They will be responsible for completing a Congregational Profile and submitting it to the Synod Office. A key element of this document will be discerning our future mission and God's will for our congregation, and describing what we are looking for in our new pastor. There will be many opportunities for all congregational members to have input to this process; your input is vital and highly encouraged.
Once the discernment process is completed, the Synod will provide us with candidates that they feel meet our profile. At any time in this process, anyone can suggest names of pastors that they feel would be a good match for St. Paul. The Call Committee will then review these candidates, select those to be interviewed, and conduct the interviews. They will ultimately recommend a candidate to the Church Council and Congregation for Call.
Commissioning of both committees will be on Sunday, December 8. An organizational / orientation meeting with both committees will be held on Wednesday, December 4. Please actively participate in this process and raise these committees up in your prayers. Pray that we find the right candidate to implement God's vision for our congregation.
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Council Highlights from November 20, 2013
|  In addition to appointing the Discernment and Call Committees (see separate article), the Council did the following at the November meeting:
*Authorized staff pay increases of 4% over the last six months and awarded Christmas bonuses as is our tradition. Combined with Council action is June, the staff received 4% pay increases in 2013 compared to 2012. We are pleased that we could reverse a recent trend of stagnant wage rates for our staff.
*Reviewed a first draft of a 2014 budget. It is very early in the process, but we considered potential changes in staff salaries, the need for additional pastoral care next year, increases in missionary support for Pastor Collier, and other program needs. No decisions will be made until the revenue (primarily pledges) is better known.
*Approved proceeding with the enclosure of the dumpster at the back end of the parking lot. This work will begin very shortly.
*Unanimously voted to extend an invitation to Pastor and Margaret Harms to continue membership at St. Paul. Pastor Harms will not be performing any official duties at St. Paul, but both can enjoy the benefits of membership here when they are not traveling.
*Approved the annual meeting for January 26, 2014, and Council election for December 8, 2013.
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CHURCH COUNCIL POSITIONS
|  In December the Congregation of St. Paul will vote to fill Council positions for Vice President, Treasurer, Christian Education, Worship, and Social Action.
Although it is a serious commitment, serving on Congregation Council is a rewarding experience and a great way to serve our Church. Please give this thoughtful consideration.
If you are interested in running for one of these positions and would like additional information, please contact Jack Diesing via email at jack.diesing@ally.com or by phone at (313) 882-5988.
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Refugee Services
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 Freedom House received the first donation from the Non-Food Pantry with a month's worth of paper products, cleaning supplies and toiletries for their residents! Many asked how to donate or volunteer for Freedom House and the director, Deb Drennan, can be reached at 313-964-4320. Donations can be mailed to Freedom House, Deb Drennan, Director, 2630 W. Lafayette, Detroit, MI 48216. Transition to Independence(TIP) Dinner on
December 6th from 6 - 8:30 p.m.
The Social Action Committee will host a dinner for the Wayne State Students that have aged out of foster care and are supported by the TIP program. At this dinner, the students will hear a motivational foster care alumni speak and receive their care packages that our high school students have assembled from your donations. The time frame for service is between 3 and 9 p.m. that day and the dinner will take place on the WSU campus. If you would like to help cook, serve or deliver items to the dinner, please contact Shelley Reisen (882-8099) , treisen@comcast.net or Mary Weiland (885-6326), mary@weilandfamily.com.
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Ministers of
Worship and Service
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Ministers of Worship & Service
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Interim Pastor: Rev. J. Krister Ulmanis
Organist: Stephanie Yu
Director of Music/Chancel Choir Director Eric Miller
Director of Children's Choirs Margaret Rees-Baker
Today December 8
Acolyte: Gabriel Kirck
Altar Guild: Heidi Korte Heidi Korte
Gretchen Miotto Gretchen Miotto
Assisting Minister: Fred Orth Fred Orth
Communion Assistants: Clara Graham M&H Thomalla
Carol Komer R&C Truesch
Carol Meza
Bonnie Steketee
Cross Bearer: Cameron Ennis Isabella Kirck
Coffee Hour: Ed Sieloff
Greeter: Willard family Huizinga Family
Lector: Bonnie Steketee Rick Grenzke
Pray and Play: Shawn Cugliari
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