November 7, 2014
Prayers of the People
 

Click here for the Prayers of the People  

          

Happenings

11/7     
7:00 AM to 8:30 AM     
AA     
Sandrock Hall
    
12:00 PM to 4:00 PM     
Bridge     
Poppen Hall
    
7:30 PM to 9:00 PM     
Gamblers Annon.     
Bethany Room

11/8     
7:00 AM to 8:30 AM     
AA     
Sandrock Hall

11/9     
9:30 AM to 11:00 PM     
Worship w/communion     
Sanctuary
    
10:45 AM to 11:45 AM     
Sunday School     
Upstairs Classrooms
    
12:00 PM to 4:00 PM     
Bridge
Poppin Hall

11/10     
7:00 AM to 8:00 AM     
AA     
Sandrock Hall
    
5:30 PM to 6:00 PM     
Angelic Choir     
Jr. Choir Room
    
6:15 PM to 6:45 PM     
Sing and Ring     
Jr. Choir Room
    
7:00 PM to 8:30 PM     
AA     
Fireside Room

11/11     
7:00 AM to 8:30 AM     
AA     
Sandrock Hall
    
9:30 AM to 10:30 AM     
Adult Bible Study     
Fireside Room
    
7:00 PM to 8:30 PM     
EA     
Upstairs Classrooms
    
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM     
Pieces Be With You     
Sandrock Hall
    
7:30 PM to 9:00 PM     
Social Action     
Fireside Room

11/12     
7:00 AM to 8:30 AM     
AA     
Sandrock Hall
    
7:00 PM
Social Action Committee

7:30 PM
Listening for God

7:30 PM to 9:00 PM     
AA     
Sandrock Hall

11/13     
7:00 AM to 8:30 AM     
AA     
Sanctuary
    
6:30 PM to 7:45 PM     
Chancel Bells     
Sanctuary
    
7:30 PM to 9:00 PM     
AA     
Sandrock Hall
    
8:00 PM to 10:00 PM     
Chancel Choir     
Sr. Choir Room

11/14     
7:00 AM to 8:30 AM     
AA     
Sandrock Hall
    
12:00 PM to 4:00 PM     
Bridge     
Poppen Hall
    
7:30 PM to 9:00 PM     
Gamblers Annon.     
Bethany Room

11/15     
7:00 AM to 8:30 AM     
AA     
Sandrock Hall

9:00 AM
WELCA meeting
Deep cleaning of Harms Fireside Room

11/16     
9:30 AM to 11:00 AM     
Elder Milestone
Worship w/Communion/
Reception to follow    
Sanctuary
    
10:45 AM to 11:45 AM     
Sunday School     
Upstairs Classrooms
    
12:00 PM to 4:00 PM     
Bridge     
Poppen Hall

11/17     
7:00 AM to 8:00 AM     
AA     
Sandrock Hall
    
5:30 PM to 6:00 PM     
Angelic Choir     
Jr. Choir Room
    
6:15 PM to 6:45 PM     
Sing and Ring     
Jr. Choir Room
    
7:00 PM to 8:15 PM     
Catechism     
Bethany Room
    
7:00 PM to 8:30 PM     
AA     
Fireside Room

11/18     
7:00 AM to 8:30 AM     
AA     
Sandrock Hall
    
9:30 AM to 10:30 AM     
Adult Bible Study     
Fireside Room
    
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM     
Pieces Be With You     
Sandrock Hall
    
7:00 PM to 8:30 PM     
EA     
Upstairs Classrooms

11/19     
7:00 AM to 8:30 AM     
AA     
Sandrock Hall
    
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Listening For God     
Fireside Room

7:00 PM to 9:00 PM     
Council Meeting     
Bethany Room
    
7:30 PM to 9:00 PM     
AA     
Sandrock Hall

11/20     
Epistle Deadline     
    
7:00 AM to 8:30 AM     
AA     
Sanctuary
    
6:30 PM to 7:45 PM     
Chancel Bells     
Sanctuary
    
7:30 PM to 9:00 PM     
AA     
Sandrock Hall
    
8:00 PM to 10:00 PM     
Chancel Choir     
Sr. Choir Room

11/21     
7:00 AM to 8:30 AM     
AA     
Sandrock Hall
    
12:00 PM to 4:00 PM     
Bridge     
Poppen Hall
    
7:30 PM to 9:00 PM     
Gamblers Annon.     
Bethany Room

11/22     
7:00 AM to 8:30 AM     
AA     
Sandrock Hall

11/23     
9:30 AM to 11:00 AM     
Worship w/Communion     
Sanctuary
    
10:45 AM to 11:45 AM     
Sunday School     
Upstairs Classrooms
    
11:45 AM to 3:00 PM     
Advent Workshop     
Sandrock Hall
 
2:00 PM to 4:00 PM     
Bridge     
Poppen Hall

Quick Links

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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.
 
St. Paul Happenings
Christian Ed
   Adult Forum
The Adult Forum will be an overview of adult volunteer opportunities for the 2015 ELCA Youth Gathering in Detroit to be held on July 15 - 19, 2015.   Local volunteer opportunities will be described and sign up information will be provided.  Other ways to support the event will also be discussed.  Presenter:  Dave Upmeyer

Sunday School
Preparation for the Sunday School, Christmas program is fully underway for the children who are learning the theme songs during the opening of Sunday School.  Children who wish to be in the program need to come to Sunday School.  This week's lesson is the sacrifice God provided for Abraham and Isaac, and Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. The Middle school youth will discuss preparing ourselves for the coming of God's kingdom in their classroom upstairs.  The High school youth will begin working on the TIP (Transition to Independence Program) gift baskets which will be presented on December 4 at the TIP Warrior dinner at Wayne State which St Paul is serving.
 
The next Confirmation class meets Nov 17, 7-8:15 to further discuss Martin Luther and The Reformation. The current Faith5 and home assignment are posted on the website www.stpaulgpconfirm.org  Students are asked to bring their Faith5 Journal.  Childcare will be provided for siblings in the pre-school classroom room off Sandrock Hall.  The next Monday meal is Dec 1.

St Paul's Operation Christmas Child Shoebox collection begins today.  Pack a shoebox for a girl or boy, age 2-4, 5-9 or 10-14, with toys, hygiene items and school supplies and bring it to St Paul with $7 for shipping.  Labels are available in the narthex or make your $7 donation online http://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/follow-your-box/  Print the barcode & tape it to your shoebox, &  hopefully you will learn where the child blessed by your shoebox lives.  The final collection day is Sunday November 23. 
Odds and Ends
The Great Coat Caper - Do you have the right coat??  Last Sunday, someone inadvertently took home the wrong black womens coat and left behind theirs.  The one that was taken is a 3/4 length black coat size 6 or8 with a chain on the label and buttons on the sleeves.  If you have it, please contact Carolyn Scholfield, it belongs to Danielle.  Thanks for helping to solve the caper.

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


















SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2014
AFTER EDUCATION - ABOUT 11 AM

POTLUCK LUNCH WILL BEGIN AFTER THE EDUCATION HOUR IN THE BASEMENT.

Potluck lunch will begin after the education hour in the basement.

Coffee, milk, salad, dessert and hot dogs for the younger children will be provided.  The cost is $2.00 per person and a dish to pass for 8 to 10 people, the dish can be hot or cold. We ask all to sign up ahead of time to asure enough for all.  After dinner, the craft tables will be set up for the afternoon of crafting.  We'll be doing the following crafts.

All Ages            
#1 Cookies 15 Min/Each $.25
#2 Gum Drop Tree 30 min    $2.00
#3 Cloths Pin Candle Holder 20 min $1.50
#4 JOY Puzzle Piece ornament 20 min $1.00
#5 Marshmallow Snowman 30 min $.50
#6 Thumb Print Christmas Tree 20 min $1.00

5 and Up            
#7 Cork Candle Ornament 20 min $1.00

8 and Up    
#8 Fabric Tree 30 min $4.00
#9 Fence Post Santa 45 min $5.00
#10 Wooden Block Snowman 30 min $2.00
#11 Book Pumpkin 40 min$1.00

10 and Up    
#12 Red Puffy Wreath 45 min $5.00
#13 Hymnal Angel 45 min    $4.00

For any questions about lunch or crafts, contact Lela Creighton at 823-6497, Steve Gillespie 885-2537 or Peg Upmeyer 881-9522.
St. Paul's Operation Christmas Child Shoebox
Pack a shoebox for a girl or boy, age 2-4, 5-9 or 10-14, with toys, hygiene items and/or school supplies and bring it to St. Paul with $7 for shipping.  Labels are available in the narthex or make your $7 donation online http://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/follow-your-box/  print the barcode & tape it to your shoebox.  Hopefully, you will learn where the child blessed by your shoebox lives.  The final collection day is Sunday, November 23.
Join Us For Pastor Dittrich'sInstallation
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.
Grace in Action
We are happy to share that Grace in Action, a faith-based community in Southwest Detroit, has helped launch a new business cooperative called Action Cleaning.  See below and additional flyers to share are available in the Fireside Room.



The literal translation for the greek word Ekklesia (what we translate as "church") is a democratic assembly. At the time of the crucifixion of Jesus, the Roman empire was setting up their own ekklesia that was about keeping the empire wealthy, strong and powerful. The ekklesia that the early Christians were setting up was literally a cohort of democratic assemblies that stood over and against the Roman Empire's ekklesia. The only reason someone would join the ekklesia of Christ was for a better life and the hope of a better future. As a community, Grace in Action believes that the core of the Gospel is creating and offering people a better life. This life is not only about prayer and community but also about economics. Grace in Action Collectives is a 501c3 that serves as the umbrella organization for two youth collectives and the incubator for those who want to start their own cooperatives and businesses.

This is our mission: Grace in Action Collectives is a welcoming, grassroots community that animates residents, both youth and adults, as leaders in Southwest Detroit through education and cooperative economic development.
God's Work, Our Hands
Opportunities Abound to Help
During the month of  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 November 23.

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.
Transition to Independence (TIP)
Care Package Project 
The high school students are participating in a project that provides care packages to young adults who have just aged out of the foster care system and are attending college at Wayne State University.  Our congregation member, Dr. Angelique Day,  directs this program which provides psychosocial and academic support to these students who have limited support systems and resources.   Please see the display and example Care Package in the foyer.  We will collect items through November 16.  The list of needed items is below and a collection box for donations is in the foyer.   If you would like to make a monetary donation, please contact Mary Weiland (313-885-6326). Thank you!

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
LSSM Connection 
Persons with Disabilities
lssm Lutheran Social Services of Michigan has many services for individuals with physical or developmental disabilities or both.  LSSM manages properties where individuals bring in caregivers and also have group home sites with 24-hour staffing.  The end goal is the same. LSSM works to integrate their consumers into the larger community by encouraging choice and independence.  Please keep LSSM staff and the families and individuals with disabilities that they serve in your prayers this month.
Ministers of
Worship and Service
Ministers of Worship & Service
November 9
Acolyte Gabe Kirck
Altar Guild Martie Thomalla, Dorothy Carty
Assisting Minister Bill Wrobel
Coffee Hour Tim Reisen
Communion Assistants K. & C. Wiseman, M. & M. Zeller
Cross Bearer Michaela Kirck   
Lector Bea Grenzke
Ministers of Worship & Service
November 16
Altar Guild Dorothy Carty, Martie Thomalla    
Acolyte    Kate Ennis
Assisting Minister Bill Wrobel
Coffee Hour Susan Kvale
Communion Assistants B. Brosseau, K. Edickn M. Miller, B. Steketee
Cross Bearer Stephanie Korte
Lector Dave Upmeyer
Weekly Devotional
 From the Southeast Michigan Synod, ELCA
Week prior to Sunday, November 9, 2014
by Robin J. McCants, Assistant to the Bishop for Advocacy & Urban Ministry  
Southeast Michigan Synod, ELCA

"But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope."
1 Thessalonians 4:13
 
I am fast approaching the anniversary of my mother's death. This scripture rings very true to my spirit. You see, my mom died just two days after my birthday; however we had a lovely celebration of my birthday the Sunday before. In my mind, I simply knew my birthday would never again hold the joy it once held because of the loss of my mom.
 
Well, as the first year's anniversary was approaching, that anticipated, uncertainty of what could be was wearing on me. I was attending a meeting and feeling very much out of sorts - should I be happy or should I be sad? Should I go home and dwell in my sorrow alone, or stay too busy to acknowledge what is? Suddenly, one of my team members says to me, "It's your birthday? What a blessing to be another year older. You should be excited!" In sharing this was also the anniversary of my mother's death, the response was, "well, what would your mother want you to do? Be happy or continue to mourn her death?" That woke me up, because mom was a happy woman who lived a good life.
 
Being a follower of Christ offers the hope of what is to come. Yes, life happens and its cycles are to be anticipated. But because life happens, there are many possibilities and opportunities to live into and be hopeful about. The Lord's glory and grace provides the strength to try again, through joy or pain. Be encouraged!
 
Questions to Ponder:
1.    In what ways have you found yourself withdrawn from living?
2.    How do you find ways to walk with others who have lost hope?
 
Seven Word Prayer:
In the Lord, my life is abundant. Amen