The Philippian

The Monthly Newsletter of St. Philip’s Lutheran Church of Hastings, Minnesota

Come and Worship...Come and Serve...Come and Learn...Come as you are …Philip said to him, “Come and see” John 1:46

AApprriill 22001188 Fall Events Begin

Holy Week Worship

Palm Sunday

March 25 8:30 & 10:30 am

Maundy Thursday March 29 7:00 pm

Good Friday

March 30 7:00 pm

Easter Sunday April 1 8:30 & 10:30 am

Breakfast 9:30-10:30 am

2018

Children’s Musical

“Simon Says…The

Rockin’ Trial of Simon Peter!”

Saturday, April 7

Preview ShOW 3:30 PM

Sunday, April 8

8:30 and 10:30 am 2 THE PHILIPPIAN April 2018

Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen his name.” The reason this Gospel was written is our and yet have come to believe.” Now Jesus did many reason for existing as St. Philip’s Lutheran Church. Everything we do, we do so that people may know other signs in the presence of his disciples, which Jesus as their savior. are not written in this book. But these are written so And when our faith is not as strong as we would like, that you may come to believe that Jesus is the when we wonder about this resurrection stuff and Messiah, the Son of God, and that through know that we cannot see Jesus in the same way Thomas did, we gather around Word and sacrament believing you may have life in his name. and hear his words for us, “This is my body. This is my blood. FOR YOU” As we continue to celebrate the John 20:30-31 power of Christ’s resurrection each Sunday, may you (From the Gospel Lesson for the always have life in his name. second Sunday of Easter.) Your Servant in Christ, We are told that “seeing is believing.” Every year on the Pastor Geier second Sunday of the Easter season we again hear the story Also…it was pointed out by one sharp eyed member, of Thomas the disciple who that last month’s article contained an inaccuracy. The upon hearing the news of reason for that was that due to poor time Jesus’ resurrection says in management on my part I chose to modify an article I effect, “I’ll believe it when I see wrote many years ago. However, I failed to save the it.” Some clever theologian changes that spoke to our St. Philip’s ministry before eventually coined the term “Doubting Thomas” to sending it to Lista so that it made no sense to those forever stigmatize his skepticism. It is worth noting, who read it. I apologize. that none of the disciples believed that Jesus rose from the dead before they saw him either. - AMONG OUR OWN - Regardless, Jesus does come. Whether it be through Sympathies to… locked doors or because of a hesitant faith, Jesus Carol Sieben and family as they mourn the death of comes so that all of his followers would believe. And her brother Henry Lantz then Jesus offered a blessing for YOU. Sherry Akins and family as they mourn the death of

her brother James Shellito. That’s right, after sharing peace with the disciples and after showing Thomas his wounds, Jesus offered a blessing for you. “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.” APRIL SUNDAY SCRIPTURE READINGS

Jesus knew that his physical presence would April 1 John 20:1-18 (Resurrection of Our Lord) eventually ascend to heaven and people of faith would not have the advantage of those first disciples April 8 John 20:19-31 who visited, touched and ate with the resurrected (Thomas)

Lord. Jesus knew that the time would come when April 15 Acts 9:1-19 faith would come through the witness of others. (Paul’s Conversion) “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.” That is you! That is me! That is April 22 Acts 16:16-34 (Paul and Silas) every Christian born in the last 19 centuries. That is a lot of blessing! April 29 Acts 17:16-31 (Paul’s Sermon at Athens) Within this passage we are also given the mission of John’s Gospel and our own mission as a Church. The author writes, “these are written so that you may THE PHILIPPIAN April 2018 3 Preschool Chatter Thank You…

It’s hard to believe how fast this school year is going. We all had a refreshing break and we are now back in A very grateful Thank You to WELCA for their the thick of it. Miss Becky and Miss Lorelei are busy generous donation toward the purchase of the new getting ready for conferences. They do a lot of Lenten banner. Like our paraments, it is Belgium assessing with the kiddos. They are looking at what made and is a valuable addition to the St. Philip’s numbers, upper and lower case letters, and letter collection. sounds each child knows. This gives the parents valuable information on the skills they need for Kindergarten. Thank You! A sincere thank you to my St. Philip's Family - the concern that you had for me, the hugs, Our themes for March were Space, Authors and the many cards and the prayers, especially the Easter. We had a Palm Parade around the building prayers, during these last three months helped lift me and retold the story of The Mitten by Jan Brett. up as I battled my "diseased" gall bladder. Your kindness is something I'll never forget.

We are looking forward to our Family Fun Night on Kathy Stockman April 6. We will be having Carnival games, Crafts, Food, Book Fair, Silent Auction and more. We are looking for help running games and serving food from The Early Learning Center would like to thank 5-7 pm. If you want to help, please let me know. We everyone who attended our fundraiser at the Lock are also in need of a few items for our Silent Auction, and Dam Eatery on March 1. Thanks to all of you we if anyone is interested in donating, items can be were able to raise $160.00 for the Preschool. Thanks brought to my office by April 4. again for your continued support. It means a lot to us. We have a few openings for next school year. If you know of anyone looking for preschool, please have Early Learning Center Staff them contact me.

We hope you all have a blessed Easter. The following thank you was received from Loren and Val Mollet’s granddaughter who is in the military… Kim Sill Early Learning Center Director Dear St. Philip’s Lutheran Church Fellowship Team,

Thank you very kindly for your nice note and gift. I APRIL SHARING AND CARING HANDS is really appreciate your support and for your supporting your troops. It means a lot and it does not go Saturday, April 14. This month the menu is tacos. th Items needed are: unnoticed. I am coming up on my 7 year in the army and I have had such an amazing experience. I have Large Soft Flour Tortillas Mild Salsa met and worked with amazing people and I am glad Shredded Cheddar Black Olives we are on the same team! We always appreciate Diced Tomatoes Diced Onions support from the community and thank you a ton Sour Cream Lettuce again! Also, thanks to my grandparents, Loren and Val Mollet, for adding me to your prayer list. Cooked Taco Meat Jalapenos Prepared Spanish Rice - Courtney Mulhern

Please sign up on the kiosk where you will find all the The fellowship ministry recently sent a book to those details of quantities and sizes of the food items. on the military prayer list and 2017 graduates. If you Questions? contact Elaine Wilbur at 651-437-7397. know of someone who should have been included and was missed please contact the office. St. Philip’s continues to support our military and graduates in prayer as well as messages from home.

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Sunday School Minute Early in March we April 15-May 6 are the final weeks for this year’s closed the books Sunday School programming season. Since the on February middle of September, at least 12 amazing adult and financials. The youth volunteers have come together nearly weekly Finance Team is to make Sunday mornings special for the 68 students happy to report the in their care. Countless prayers have been said in following details: whispers and shouts, songs have been sung, stories read, glue sticks wielded—and woven through all of Actual Budget Actual that loving relationships were built and nurtured.

Sunday School is one of the many ways our faith Year to Date: 02/18 02/18 02/17 family helps keep the promises we make during Income: $77,689 $94,330 $93,035 baptisms and though I’m definitely partial, I think it’s Expenses: $79,288 $90,133 $75,066 one of the most fun and rewarding ways. So many Over/(short): $1,599 $4,197 $17,969 bonds are made and strengthened in the Sunday School room, and this year that showed in beautiful Capital Fund Year to Date: ways with teachers from multiple generations shining. $25,134 $26,815 $26,824 From our youngest 7th grade helpers to a newly graduated college student and even two On March 4, St. Philip’s began a seven-week journey grandmothers who teamed up to make the 2nd grade for a three-year campaign to not only pay the classroom a loving and welcoming place to learn, our mortgage each month, but also to apply dollars kiddos were in the absolute best hands. Be sure to toward the principal to pay off the mortgage at a thank a Sunday School teacher this month, and faster rate. Think of the programs we could provide prayerfully consider joining us next year as a teacher without a nearly $14,500 mortgage payment each or helper. month! As each of us prayerfully considers our own pledge, here are a few details that the bank has Stephanie Becken provided at our request. Note that years and amounts Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries are approximate as the interest rate may vary over the life of the loan.

Because we have recently made two “principal only” Teen Talk payments totaling $59,000, the pay off of our current

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America isn’t a loan is $2,340,455. stranger to social issues. On the website, over a dozen ‘social statements’ are posted. They cover lots As of October 2018, there are 20 years left to pay on of topics from abortion to race issues. Each statement the 25-year loan. is written, reviewed, amended, and finally, voted upon during the church-wide assembly. They need a 2/3 An extra $36,039 per year would pay off the loan in majority to be passed, and then become a guiding 15 years, a savings of $302,794. document for congregations all over the world. These documents take major work, so there really aren’t all An extra $74,112 per year would pay off the loan in that many of them. However, the presiding bishop of 12 years, a savings of $476,660. each synod and also of the ELCA church-wide issue statements during times of unrest, tragedy, An extra $112,515 per year would pay off the loan in celebration, and uncertainty. Why all of this in the 10 years, a savings of $589,262. ‘teen talk’ section? Because when our teens look at the world getting so many conflicting messages, they Please join us at worship on April 22 as we make our should know our church family is no stranger to social commitments together! issues. To find out the ELCA’s social stance on issues, go to the ELCA website and search ‘social issues’ for a full list. ST. PHILIP’S RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE - August 22. Watch for details Stephanie Becken to come. Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries THE PHILIPPIAN April 2018 5

A JEWISH PASSOVER OBSERVANCE being demonstrated at Sunday School

WORSHIP LEADERS NEEDED FOR HOLY Camille WEEK AND EASTER WORSHIP - Are you in Nelson town for Holy Week and Easter? The Worship and other and Music Committee needs volunteers to fill the teachers worship leader openings for ushers, lectors, gather communion servers, etc. for the worship services around on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter St. Sunday. Please stop by the kiosk in the narthex Philip's and pencil your name in or contact Lori Best at kitchen 763-807-3667 or [email protected]. island to watch the mixing of proper flour with water and the creation of the flat hard cracker-type bread that has Biblical DID YOU KNOW??? foundings. During the festival of Passover people of the Jewish faith observe the command of God by EASTER: The greatest festival of the Christian church nourishing themselves with unleavened bread to commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is commemorate their escape from Egypt. Passover a movable feast; that is, it is not always held on the covers an 8 day period. same date. In AD 325 the church council of Nicaea decided that it should be celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon on or after the vernal equinox of March 21. Easter can come as early as March 22 or as late as April 25.

Many Easter customs come from the Old World. The white lily, the symbol of the resurrection, is the special Easter flower. Rabbits and colored eggs have come from pagan antiquity as symbols of fertility and new life. Easter Monday egg rolling, a custom of European origin, has become a tradition on the lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C.

The name Easter comes from Eostre, an ancient Anglo-Saxon goddess, originally of the dawn. In pagan times an annual spring festival was held in her honor. Some Easter customs have come from this and other pre-Christian spring festivals. Others come from the Passover feast of Judaism, observed in memory of their deliverance from Egypt.

The word paschal comes from a Latin word that means "belonging to Passover." Formerly, Easter and the Passover were closely associated. The resurrection of Jesus took place during the Passover. Christians of the Eastern church initially celebrated both holidays together. But the Passover can fall on any day of the week, and Christians of the Western church preferred to celebrate Easter on Sunday - the day of the resurrection.

~ Above Excerpted from Compton's Interactive Encyclopedia ~

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MOONLIGHT MADNESS Who? Any youth in grades 6th-9th. MUSICAL PRESENTED Friends are most welcome, APRIL 8! but they must be pre- registered. 10th-12th graders The name of the musical? “Simon Says…The who would like to join as Rockin’ Trial of Simon Peter!” peer leaders, may do so, but will need to pay the full registration and be willing to be The story? The disciple, Simon Peter is leaders (more info to come). on trial for fraud! He has dared to What? An all-night event with Our Saviour’s and proclaim that Jesus is the Son of God! St. Philip’s traveling around the Moonlight Now he is on trial, but it is no ordinary Madness plans as laid out by Augsburg triail! Zany judges, defense witnesses from the New College! This year’s stops include Testament, courtroom mice, television newscasters community center take-over (swimming, ice and a team of scientists all gather to find out the truth! skating, racquetball), Movie Theatre (many Along the way there is shocking testimony and rockin’ to choose from), Bowling (including music! You are invited to witness the presentation of bowling, arcade and laser tag) and HUGE this lively show by 37 very talented kids at both group worship! This will go all night. worship services on Sunday, April 8! Can’t come on Where? Several Locations in the Twin Cities area Sunday? No problem! There will be a preview show When? Meet at St. Philip’s at 8:00 pm (make sure on Saturday, April 7 at 3:30 pm. YOU be the judge! you’ve eaten dinner and bring a few snacks) Parents, please plan to pick up LIVING IS GIVING CAPITAL FUND APPEAL your youth 7:45 am Saturday morning at St. Philip’s. We will be tired, so please be here. BEGAN MARCH 4 - St. Philip's began its Capital

Fund Appeal at worship on March 4, with the day's Cost? $45 which includes: your cost for the entire sermon delivered by Paula Kitt, of the ELCA's Mission night’s activities as well as transportation. Investment Fund. Please make your check out to wherever Ms Kitt is the you turn in your registration (so SPLC or contracted OSEL) consultant for St. Bring? Friends, lots of energy, a jacket, some Philip's as it sets up extra money for food and snacks (or extra its next three years snacks for the bus). Make sure everything of dedicated giving is labeled. to its capital fund mortgage Register to reserve your spot for the Moonlight indebtedness with Madness. Please fill out the registration page (found Merchants Bank of on the welcome center) and turn in the registration Hastings. The cost on or before April 8 to Stephanie in the office. current mortgage is Questions? contact Stephanie Becken at email: $2.3MM. [email protected] or call 651-437-6541

OR Jim Verbout at email: [email protected] or It is customary at St. Philip's to renew one's financial call 651-437-9052. support toward the expansion of the facility which was dedicated in 2013. The two-tiered giving plan makes it possible to have adequate financial support for the monthly mortgage payment of $14,500. The current GERTEN’S PLANTS - Camp families will be selling appeal has set a goal of $750,000 over the next three Gerten’s plants through April 8. If you’d like to order, years which would allow for additional payments but don’t know a camper, please call or email against the mortgage loan's principal plus a 10% tithe Stephanie Becken and she’ll help you connect with a going to an external mission of St. Philip's choice. most excellent camper. Plants will be delivered May 19. The campers who take the orders will deliver the Gifts at all levels need to be prayerfully and joyfully plants to those who purchased them. If you’re a plant received on April 22. All members will want to share pro and would be willing to help on sorting day (May in the joy of giving and having tangible ownership of 19 in the afternoon—we’ll have a more exact time St. Philip's beautiful house of worship. that week) please let Stephanie Becken know. THE PHILIPPIAN April 2018 7

SINCE YOU ASKED… public ministry extended over a period of at least three years. During this time Jesus goes several Why didn’t we read about the transfiguration on times from Galilee to Jerusalem. The synoptic Transfiguration Sunday? And why is the Gospel of Gospels appear to describe only one journey of Jesus John so different than the other Gospels? to Jerusalem (the final one), with most of Jesus’ ministry taking place within one year. To answer the first question is to start to answer the second question. We did not read an account of the As to the why of it all, I have to come back to the transfiguration on the last Sunday of the season after reality that each of the Gospels was written at a Epiphany because there is no transfiguration in certain time for a certain audience almost 2,000 years John’s gospel. In using the Narrative Lectionary, we ago. That does not negate the truth that we believe are doing our best to read the assigned gospel to our Scripture also is the Word of God written for all better appreciate the unique witness each gospel has times and for all people. I believe that the Holy Spirit for us each year. I made the decision to stick with uses the witnesses of each gospel writer to draw us John even though (and maybe because) he did not closer to Jesus. It is important that we wrestle with record the transfiguration event as did the other three the things that seem contradictory or that we don’t gospel sources. A wonderful follow-up question is understand. Our questions then make our hearts why and what significance does this have? That is for fertile ground for the Holy Spirit to nurture our faith. another time. THANKS FOR ASKING! With regards to the second related question, I don’t know that I have a great answer other than there are significant difference between John and the other ADULT EDUCATION BRINGS IN PEOPLE WHO three gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. These are EXPAND OUR KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS - known as the Synoptic Gospels because of their On any given Sunday similar content and sequence of stories. To be sure, one's worship can be each gospel is unique, but Matthew, Mark, and Luke enhanced by attending are much more harmonious with each other than with the Adult Education John. Forum which begins at 9:35 am. A wide range For instance, John’s Gospel omits a large amount of of topics are explored material found in the synoptic Gospels, including often through the some surprisingly important episodes. There is no experience of outside specific account of Jesus’ baptism or temptation. As professionals whose mentioned before, Jesus’ transfiguration and the daily work and research institution of the Lord ’s Supper are not mentioned by have made them a good John. John records no examples of Jesus casting out source of information. demons. In John’s gospel there is no sermon on the mount or plain or any narrative parables. Finally the Kathy O'Keefe, a special education teacher at Lord’s prayer is not found in the Fourth Gospel. Hastings High School explained her work with children living with developmental disorders which Conversely, John includes quite a bit not found in the affect their behavior and decision making. Kathy other three gospels. Pretty much all of chapters 2, 3, demonstrated her personal dedication to this and 4 are unique to John and these include the important work and that it takes the support of a wedding at Cana and Jesus’ dialogues with whole community to give aid to families whose lives Nicodemus and the woman at the well. John has are impacted daily by a disruptive condition which Jesus celebrating three Passovers in Jerusalem began at birth. whereas the other gospels only have him there once. John is the only gospel where Jesus raises Lazarus Every Sunday an important topic is presented with a and none of the other gospels have anything close to chance for conversation and input by those gathered. the “Farewell Discourse” that is five chapters long. Get yourself included in this hour of education and (John 13-17) awareness. Doug Schultz is the current chair of Adult Education Forums. In additions to differences in material, there are also differences in sequence. According to John, Jesus’

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common thread which sews the spiritual connections with the physical space we celebrate and take pride in here at St. Philip’s Lutheran Church.

Living is Giving is a capital campaign which has a focus of decreasing the principal balance of the mortgage of St. Philip’s Lutheran Church. This physical space allows St. Philip’s to have community presence larger than the building. This structure allows St. Philip’s to be defined more as a state of my heart and spirit than as an address, as we live and work within the community. I would ask members to consider giving to this campaign, as we continue to strive for spiritual growth and serving the community Submitted by Paul Munger, Co-Chair, Capital Fund in which we reside. This campaign embodies the Appeal “…Come and see” reflected within John 1:46. We as the congregation of St. Philip’s Lutheran church St. Philip’s Capital Campaign…Philip said to him practice believing, growing and sharing in Jesus “Come and see” John 1:46 Christ our Savior. Jackie Mutcheson, a teacher, once said, “It takes each of us to make a difference for all The statement "come and see" are of us.” As members consider giving, know your piece three simple words, which can will make a difference for all of us within the provide direction, support and community in which we live. guidance. These three simple words spoke to my core, as I HOLY COMMUNION GETS A FULL LOOK BY entered St. Philip’s Lutheran Church FIFTH AND SIXTH GRADERS - (photo of Pastor four short years ago. At this point in my life, my wife, Michelle and I were Geier and the kids in Holy Communion Class on Sundays) looking for a church that would encompass and nurture values of Between worship on the Sunday's during Lent, Pastor loving our community and building spiritual Geier, greets the worshippers as they leave worship wholeness. We were looking for a church with a and then dashes to the Youth Room where he community presence, in which the definition of the conducts a class on Holy Communion to boys and word church would be so much more than the girls in the fifth and sixth grades. The course goes on address on the corner of 15th and Pleasant, right for four weeks. It's a class everyone could enjoy, but here in Hastings. Come and see was the start of our this is Pastor Geier's time with the "56rs" on this most spiritual journey in joining the St. Philip’s community personal of life's experiences. Growth in one's faith and belonging to the community movement which life is certain to be a result of this hour with Pastor supports believing, growing and sharing in God the Geier. Father.

Our sanctuary at St. Philip’s is a significant part of my spiritual landscape. It’s here in which I find myself, along with the community celebrating the love of God. Together, each Sunday we “…ready our hearts to receive the word of God” as Pastor Geier says. It’s here in which I sit in my usual spot and gaze out into the pews at fellow community members, and feel a part of something bigger than me, within the sharing of the love and peace of God’s work. This work carries over within the hallways of this church, which is abundantly apparent Wednesday nights, as choirs practice, confirmation students gather, and adults meet to support the common goal of celebrating and nurturing the word of God. Come and see is a

THE PHILIPPIAN April 2018 9

SINCE YOU ASKED… (The Sequel) Christ’s ministry in the larger community (and you will get to decide where it goes!) What’s the difference between the Operating Budget and the Capital Budget? When deciding how you will designate your offerings it may be helpful to know our capital budget is about This is a very timely question since we have just 1/4 of our total ministry needs. It is important that we entered into a Capital Campaign titled “Living is support both budgets in doing God’s work as St. Giving” with the focus of making sure that we will not Philip’s Lutheran Church. only be able to continue paying our monthly mortgage payment but also make extra payments on the THANKS FOR ASKING! principal.

Our operating budget gives our council the authority A CAPITAL CAMPAIGN INFORMATIONAL to spend the money you have entrusted to St. Philip’s GATHERING will be held for anyone who may have Lutheran Church on everything needed for our daily questions or concerns about our present Living is ministry. The largest part of our operating budget is Giving campaign during the following times: to provide compensation for our staff. Programming, curriculum, worship supplies, utilities, maintenance  Thursday, March 29 at 10:00 am in the Prayer and repairs are also part of this budget. In addition, Chapel we designate a portion of all that we receive to do  Wednesday, April 4 at 6:30 pm in the Prayer God’s work beyond St. Philip’s. Chapel  Sunday, April 8 at the West End of the Narthex by As I understand it, having a separate Capital Budget the office first became necessary back in 1987 when our congregation voted to have a building program that If you cannot attend and still have a question you may cost around $900,000.00. At that time, in order to call Al Todnem (651-307-4786) or Ron Toppin (651- secure a loan, the church had to regularly engage in 437-7753) for information. capital campaigns to ensure that our congregation would be able to sustain monthly mortgage payments that were above and beyond the other budgeted JUNE VIA DE CRISTO WEEKEND - Looking to feel expenses of our ministry. Back in 2012 our family of refreshed and renewed? The next Via De Cristo faith decided part of God’s plan for us included a weekend retreat for adults (big kids at heart!) is in building program with a beautiful new sanctuary and June at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Maple Grove. fellowship area. This vision cost about $2.7 million Participants have all meals and are lodged (cots dollars. In order to secure a loan, we again had to available) at the church. Fun in community, new demonstrate to potential lenders our congregation friends, engaging stories shared, all contribute to the would be able to sustain monthly mortgage payments renewed spirit found in God’s habitual love and grace! of $14,500.00 (or an additional $174,000.00 per Weekends begin on Thursday evening and conclude year.) Our current loan balance is just under $2.4 on Sunday afternoon. Men will join in community million dollars. Thursday, May 31 - Sunday, June 3, while women have their opportunity Thursday, June 7 – June 10. Your faithful stewardship and the fiscal responsibility of our financial ministry team and council have Registration forms are available on a bulletin board in resulted in us having a cushion in both our operating the hallway, from the website www.mnviadecristo.org, and capital funds. In 2017 we made two additional by touching base with Paul or Carol Hellen (651-437- payments on principal and have already made two 1702) or Pastor Geier. additional payments on principal in 2018. If we are able to continue this practice each year, we will save almost $500,000.00 in interest payments! Just think THE WORSHIP COORDINATOR summer sign-up of what we will save if we make three (or four!) will be April 15 at the Welcome Center. If you like to payments on principal. We will continue to keep a serve “behind the scene” this is an opportunity for cushion of four months of mortgage payments in you. Anyone who might be interested in joining our order to be prepared for any unforeseen challenges. team, please contact Jay or Becky Raimann (437- Like our operating budget, our capital campaign will 7175) to get more information. also designate a percentage of our offerings to

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SUNDAY SCHOOL AND WORSHIP WANDERER HIGHLIGHTS

HULA HOOPING is a fun time at Sunday School and Worship Wanderers

PRESCHOOL TEACHER URSULA RUMANN works hard with the youth to learn songs during Sunday School

BUTTER

BRAIDS were

delivered and

these were some

of the helpers

And then there was the Sunday where the youth with the help of leader Carlos Villavicencio washed each others feet just like Jesus did

THE PHILIPPIAN April 2018 11

FOOD TASTING Vacation Bible OF FOODS FROM School 2018 THE BIBLE brought July 16-19 from a bunch of mixed 9:00 am - noon reviews from the

preschoolers and

kindergarten youth. th Ages: 3 years (and potty trained) – finishing 5 grade Suggested Donation: $15. All are always welcome.

We’ll be hitting the rapids this summer with a wild week of worship, learning, and fellowship! No matter the age, students are challenged and grow in amazing ways over the intense week. We’ll sing, pray, craft, serve, and learn all to the glory of our awesome Father. This spectacular endeavor draws nearly 100 children every year along with 30 + youth and adult volunteers to keep things running safely and smoothly. Registration is available at St. Philip’s or online at www.splchastings.org under the ‘Learning’ tab.

CONFIRMATION DATES FOR FALL. Get them on the calendar now!

Confirmation Orientation: August 29 First Day of Confirmation: September 5 th 10 grade workshop day and photos: September 29 1:00-5:30 pm with family dinner at 5:30 pm Confirmation Sunday: September 30 at 10:30 pm service

Confirmation Retreat at Camp Victory: October 26-28

Worship Wanders conversation about the cross brought up lots of words to describe the feeling, meaning, thoughts of the cross

THE SUNDAY SCHOOL FIRST GRADERS with the help of their teacher, Katie Thomas, led the congregation in The Lord’s Prayer.

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COSMIC ADVENTURES THROUGH SCIENCE AND they saw testimonies from the past come to life in the FAITH RECAP - During March, five excellent youth interactive displays. In the WWII model plane, they (Grace Becken, Ethan Bernt, Brody Hampl, Devin heard from veterans who shared their story, including Hampl and Will Mace) met every Sunday to explore references to prayer. science and faith through Bible study and hands-on In the 1968 exhibit, exploration. Each week, we met in the Youth Room to social issues slammed start our study with a series of videos done by in brightly over and Science for Youth Ministry—a curriculum by Luther over with a news Seminary. After setting the tone for the day, reporter on an old establishing the theme and determining our direction, black and white TV we headed out on our adventure. reading scripture in reference to the moon Our first landing. trip together, Our discovery we visited continued through the service. New this year, Minnesota our Food Drive efforts included United Way’s Food 4 Science Kids project. On March 18, our group packed Museum, weekend food bags with the food donated at St. where Philip’s. We packed 141 bags of food and helped fill each their shelves. exhibit led to more We finished correlations between faith and science. The students our Bible saw God in so many ways. “I remember that from Study Sunday School.” “Pastor Geier said something about adventure with that a few a trip to Ninja weeks ago.” Warrior “We talked Experience in about that in Woodbury, confirmation.” where families joined in for a fun afternoon of learning These phrases and fellowship. We worked hard and played hard— were said over all while exploring our place in this great big world and over as we with an amazing Father who loves us. learned together. Their base 4th, 5th AND 6th GRADE knowledge led BIBLE STUDY “INCREDIBLE” to so much conversation and deeper exploration. May 2 - May 28 Wednesdays 5:15-6:15 pm After the Science Museum, we Students in 4th-6th grade are invited to dig deep in a shifted focus to fun, interactive Bible study. This time will be spent relationships and exploring the Bible through themes that start with “I spent our next am”. We’ll work on Bible skills, discussion skills, and meeting at the the ever daunting task of putting faith into words—all Minnesota History wrapped up in games, projects, and service Center learning opportunities. Registration information will go home about during Sunday School and will be available on the relationships and Welcome Center. Please contact Stephanie Becken if how people in you have any questions. Please try to register before Minnesota have been faithful for generations. Our April 29. group quickly picked up on the purpose of the trip as THE PHILIPPIAN April 2018 13

"LADIES NIGHT OUT" A HUGE SUCCESS - On a cold Friday night February 2, twenty-six St. Philip's women had an organized night out at Breakaway Arts Studios for the fun of taking instruction in painting with acrylics or making jewelry. People doing jewelry created up to three items which were later fired for completion. The painters composed a painting of cone flowers under the direction of an instructor. The evening was planned by the Fellowship committee and is done annually. Camille Nelson and Mary Rock helped with promotion and arrangements.

A pendant made of cut glass was the material used in the design. Some people created three pendants. A firing had to follow the design work.

Sadie Reiners came to try her hand at painting Young mom, Rachel Moritz, shows how to open a tight lid Most women chose to make jewelry

Sue Drummond enjoyed creating the cone flower assignment

This group painted a field of cone flowers as directed by an instructor

Pat Kohn and Gladys Campbell enjoy selecting their glass pieces for their pendants

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** Worship Leaders needed for Easter Sunday ** Sunday Easter for needed Leaders Worship **

WorshipApril Leaders

THE PHILIPPIAN April 2018 15

16 THE PHILIPPIAN April 2018

ST. PHILIP’S STAFF ST. PHILIP’S LUTHERAN CHURCH Gregory Geier, Senior Pastor 1401 West 15th Street [email protected] Hastings, Minnesota Noreen Swanson, Organist 651-437-6541 Ellen Diischer, Music Director www.splchastings.org [email protected] Joel Hinck, Director of Contemporary ST. PHILIP’S EARLY LEARNING CENTER Worship www.splchastings.org

[email protected] Kim Sill, ELC Director Church Office Hours: [email protected] Monday - Thursday: 9:00 am – 4:30 pm Stephanie Becken, Director of Children, Friday: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm Youth and Family Ministries [email protected] Worship Service Times: John Bergland, Business Manager Worship Services at 8:30 and 10:30 am Holy Communion offered every Sunday [email protected] John Diischer, Sound Board Technician [email protected] Lista Klocow, Office Manager [email protected]

St. Philip's Lutheran

Church 1401 West 15th Street Hastings, MN 55033

**Address Service Requested TIME-DATED

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