Contact Email
Current Newsletter ELCA

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.

 

Pastor Dittich's first Sunday with us is November 2nd.  Please join us in welcoming him and his family - wife Brenda and son Isaac.  Pastor Dittrich's formal Installation as our Pastor will take place at the 9:30 am Worship Service on December 7.  Southeast Michigan Synod Bishop Donald Kreiss will preach, and Conference Dean Pastor George Oberle will officiate at the Installation.  Come join us on this festive day as we officially begin this new era of ministry at St. Paul.

Our next Bingo Party at Gateshead Crossing Senior Living Community is October 24, at 12:45. If you can help with this event, please contact Margy Huizinga. A basket for Bingo prizes is in the Harms Fireside Room. Postage stamps are always appreciated!

This year's Advent Workshop is scheduled for Sunday, November 23.  If you have any ideas for crafts or questions, please contact Steve Gillespie at 313.885.2537.

WELCA Annual Meeting/Deep Cleaning of Harms' Fireside Room/Potluck Lunch is Saturday, November 15, at 9:00 Bethany Room.

The High School students will sponsor a Fall Bake Sale on Sunday,  Nov. 2nd after the service.  It will be set up for individual item selection with donations to Transition to Independence (TIP) Programs.  We are creating Care Packages for students who have aged out of foster care and are attending Wayne State University.   If you would like to donate items for the Care Packages or make one to send the content list and example Care Package are in the foyer.

Also during the months of  October and November please bring any gently used coats that your family has outgrown or no longer needs.  A bin for the Coat Drive will be in the foyer and donated coats will go to Cass Community Services and  Freedom House.   Coat collection will occur through Nov. 23rd.

St. Paul's "God's Work. Our Hands" t-shirts are still available - all proceeds are going to Grace in Action's enterprising youth business "Stitching Up Detroit".  We would like to support their efforts - so ask a High School student to sell you a shirt or contact Mary Weiland at mary@weilandfamily.com or 313-885-6326.

Donations are now being accepted for the Non-Food Pantry as the High School students begin to restock and prepare for our first donation to Freedom House in October.  A list of personal care, cleaning supplies and paper products is available in the foyer near the collection bin.  There is also a pre-printed receipt for your donation and records.  We are also happy to accept any coupons that you have clipped for the items that we can send out with our student shoppers!  Thank you for your continued support of this ministry!

TIP Care Package Contents:

o    Note of encouragement
o    Laundry basket
o    Towel
o    Washcloths (2)
o    Soap (4 bars)
o    Toothbrush
o    Toothpaste
o    Shaving cream
o    Razors
o    Shampoo/Conditioner
o    Pocket tissues (4 packs)
o    Feminine hygiene products
o    Deodorant
o    Toilet tissue
o    Socks (2 pair)
o    Boxer briefs
o    Non-perishable snacks
o    School supplies
o    Pencil holder
o    Mesh laundry bag
o    Laundry detergent
o    WSU Item
o    Gift Card
o    Devotional book
o    Deck of cards
o    One extra Item
o    flip flops

In the month of October, we lift in prayer LSSM's Refugee Services and Freedom House Detroit.  Please keep the staff and all of the refugee families and those seeking asylum in your prayers.

Refugees are people of all ages who are forced from their own countries by war or political unrest and who cannot return for fear of persecution because of their race, ethnicity, religion or political affiliations. Many spend years in refugee camps before they are given permission to enter the United States. They arrive with little more than the clothes they are wearing.  

Refugees come here seeking protection and a chance to build a new life. They are eager to learn, to work and to become productive contributors to society. As they become settled, they build businesses, create jobs, revitalize neighborhoods, fuel the economy and strengthen the tax base, enriching their communities.

Lutheran Social Services of Michigan has been the Michigan affiliate of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service since the 1950s. In 2002, Lutheran Social Services became the Michigan affiliate of Episcopal Migration Ministries as well. As the largest refugee resettlement agency in the state, Lutheran Social Services has resettled thousands of people from dozens of countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Central and South America.

We can continue to support their efforts through prayer and donations.  See Wish List below and LSSM will arrange a pickup of your items.

New pillows
Kitchen supplies such as pots, pans, tea kettles, coffee makers, flatware
Dishes
Glassware
New sheets or blankets
Towels, dish towels
Curtains
New mattresses
Gift cards to Kroger, Meijer
Cash Donations

For a prophet who spends a great deal of time yelling at the people of Israel for their infidelity to the Covenant, these words from God seem almost too good to be true. I wonder whether Jeremiah himself was surprised at the word God laid on his heart to speak. I wonder whether the notoriously cranky prophet was grateful for a piece of good news to share with the people he loved, even while he called them to repentance. I wonder whether the people themselves were startled by the grace contained in these promises.