St Paul Lutheran Church

09/28/2026

09/28/2026

Throwback to Youth Gathering 2024 in New Orleans:

Looking back at these moments reminds us why experiences like this matter so much. Our youth had the chance to worship, serve, laugh, learn, ask questions, build friendships, and see that they are part of something so much bigger than themselves.

These trips are more than travel. They are faith-forming, community-building, story-making experiences that stay with our youth long after they come home.

As we begin planning for the 2027 Youth Gathering in Minneapolis, we are thankful for the memories already made and excited for the youth who will get to be part of what comes next.

09/28/2026

Our mission statement is to Creatively Connect, Intentionally Grow & Joyfully Serve.

This week we are Intentionally Growing in a very literal way with the purchase of seven fruit trees for the start of our Permaculture garden on the property next to the Sanctuary.

These trees are a small beginning with a bigger hope: to care for God's Creation, grow food that can bless others, create a space of learning, tranquility and connection, and planting something that will continue bearing fruit for years to come.

We are excited for how this space grows, not just with the trees and plants, but with community, care and purpose.

09/21/2026

Care shows up in everyday acts of welcome, preparation, generosity, and remembrance. Here are a few ways we’re caring for one another and our community:

Welcoming every generation: Our family-friendly, accessible restroom is upstairs at the back of the sanctuary, with a changing table and automatic light.

Being prepared: An AED, first aid kit, and candy for low blood sugar are at the back of the vestibule, closest to the elevator.

Sharing food and joy: Trunk or Treat brings our community together for a free meal, treats, and connection.

Remembering with love: On All Saints Day, we honor the saints who have gone before us and hold their loved ones in care and prayer.

Together, we share God’s love through the ways we welcome, serve, and remember.

09/16/2026

Thankful, and lifting up one of the many ways our community members are sharing their gifts with our Wednesday night children & youth!

09/14/2026

I came across the song “How Loved You Are” by Josh Wilson, and it stopped me in my tracks.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJneSZ3Q1lY&list=RDvJneSZ3Q1lY&start_radio=1

It carries a message I wish every single person could truly believe about themselves.

When people hurt us, talk behind our backs, question us, say unkind things, don’t believe in us, or make us feel like we aren’t enough, it can be hard not to let those voices become our own. Sometimes, if we hear them long enough, we begin to wonder if maybe they’re right.

But they don’t get to define your worth.

Your worth is not found in someone else’s opinion of you. It isn’t determined by who accepts you, who understands you, who includes you, or who chooses to walk away.

You are beautifully and wonderfully made in the image of God.

Yesterday in Confirmation, we talked about the question, “What is a Christian?” And I keep thinking about that conversation alongside this song.

We put so many labels and expectations on what a Christian is supposed to look like. How they should dress. How they should worship. What their life should look like. What questions they should or shouldn’t ask. Sometimes we even decide who seems “Christian enough.”

But God knows the heart. We do not.

Being a Christian doesn’t mean being perfect, having every answer, never questioning, or fitting into someone else’s idea of what faith is supposed to look like.

It means belonging to Christ. Being loved by Christ. Following Christ. And continuing to grow, stumble, wonder, learn, love, forgive, serve, and trust along the way.

And maybe we need to remember that before we allow someone else’s words to define us, or before we use our words to define someone else.

You are loved.
You are enough.
You are needed.
You are wanted.
You matter.

And when people fail us, and they will, there is One who continues to walk with us. One who knows every part of our story, carries us in His heart, and loves us through every season.

Nothing someone says about you can take that love away.

So today, I simply pray this song finds the person who needs it.

May you know how loved you are.
May you remember whose you are.
And may the voices that tell you that you are anything less than a beloved child of God grow quieter than the voice of the One who created you.

And may we be careful that our voice is never the one making someone else question how loved they are.

You are loved. You matter. And you never walk alone.

I know what it’s like to look in the mirror and hate the person sta...

09/08/2026

Lately, my heart has been thinking a lot about the families I see around me.

The parents sitting in the stands after a long day of work.

The single parents trying to be in two places at once.

The families rushing from one activity to another, grabbing fast food in the car, trying to remember who needs to be where and when.

The parents volunteering at sporting events, serving on booster clubs and community boards, helping at school, trying to show up for their kids, their spouses, their jobs, their churches, and their communities.

And honestly... I have a lot of sympathy for families trying to follow Jesus right now.

Because I don't think most families are intentionally putting God last.

I think they are exhausted.

Single parents.

Families where both parents work.

Families working multiple jobs just to keep up.

Families with schedules that are double-booked before the week even begins.

There are practices. Games. Dance. Concerts. Homework. Appointments.

There are booster clubs and fundraisers.

Volunteers needed at sporting events.

Community boards.

Church committees.

School activities.

And somewhere in the middle of all of that, we are also trying to be present parents, good spouses, good friends, good employees, good neighbors, involved community members, and faithful followers of Jesus.

We're trying to love our communities—even when our communities feel divided.

We're trying to love people—even when we're tired of the arguments and opinions coming from every direction.

We're trying to live out our faith in a good and meaningful way while quietly wondering if we are doing enough.

And honestly?

I think many parents are lying in bed at night wondering what they forgot, who they disappointed, where they were supposed to be, and how they are going to do it all again tomorrow.

So maybe we need a little more grace for one another.

Because the truth is—we cannot do everything.

And maybe faithfulness was never meant to look like attending every event, volunteering for everything, serving on every board, saying yes to every need, and somehow never being tired.

Sometimes following Jesus looks like showing up imperfectly.

Sometimes it looks like taking a breath.

Sometimes it looks like choosing rest.

Sometimes it looks like saying no to something good so you can be present for something important.

And sometimes it looks like simply continuing to love—your family, your community, your neighbor, and God—even when you are exhausted.

Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom of God.”

But I don't think that means we are supposed to live with the constant pressure of trying to do *more.*

Maybe it means we need to stop and ask ourselves what truly matters and give ourselves permission to let some of the good things be second.

Not because they aren't important.

But because we are human.

And God never asked us to be everything to everyone.

To every exhausted parent and family trying to figure it out:

You are seen by me.

God sees you

And I hope our churches and communities can become places that offer more grace than guilt.

You are not failing because you are tired.

You are not less faithful because you cannot do it all.

Maybe the most faithful thing we can do sometimes is simply remember:

We were never meant to do this alone or carry the weight alone.

09/02/2026

THIS IS WHAT COMMUNITY LOOKS LIKE.

A simple call from our Athletic Director this morning to check our church programming schedule before adjusting athletic times because of the heat advisory.

It may seem like a simple phone call, but to us, it meant so much. It reminded us that we are seen, heard, and valued as part of this community. Not as a burden. Not as a schedule conflict. Not as something that has to work around everyone else.
A small gesture. A BIG impact.

We feel seen. We feel heard. And we feel like part of the community. 🙌

This is what happens when we communicate, look out for one another, and remember that we are all sharing the same community.

So today, I just want to celebrate this little moment and say THANK YOU! 👏

In honor of today’s call, let’s celebrate our St. Paul Athletes of Faith!

📸 Drop a picture in the comments of your St. Paul kiddo involved in sports, music, theater, 4-H, FFA, clubs, or any extracurricular they love!

We see you. We support you. We’re proud of you. And we’re cheering you on! ❤️

THIS is what community looks like. 🌱

08/24/2026

St Paul is thinking and praying for so many today ......Post your first day of school pics below so we can pray for you no matter if you're a student, parents, someone employed by the school or anyone who may need a prayer today.

Bless the children and college students who are learning and growing.
Bless the teachers, administrators, nurses, bus drivers, coaches, custodians, and every person who helps our schools become places of learning, belonging, and hope.

Bless the parents and families, those sending children off for the first time, and those entering a new season as empty nesters.

Give each of us courage for what is new, patience for what is difficult, kindness for those around us, and joy in the journey.

Remind us that wherever this school year takes us, we do not go alone. You are with us.

May we carry your love, your light, and the reminder that we've got this and God goes with us.

Amen.