Newsletter

From Southwestern Washington Synod:
"What's On Our Plate, and Why Does It Matter?"
This two day conference will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church and Pacific Lutheran University,
October 15 and 16, 2010.

It has become second nature to many of us - on a hot summer day, we reach for a bottle of water from
the fridge. But when you drink bottled water, what are you really getting? Much of the bottled water
sold comes from the same source as your tap water - the city water system. But unlike tap water, there
are relatively few standards for bottled water, so, occasionally contaminates sneak in.

But tap water is not the only source for our bottled water - more and more it is coming from wells
drilled in India, China, Pakistan, and throughout Africa. While we drink bottled water imported from
these places, the people living there are often forced to use water from contaminated sources - or pay
for water from their local river or stream. This has lead to sickness and even death for some people
as diseases are often transmitted by contaminated water supplies.

The problem is bigger than the 50 billion bottles of water consumed each year in the USA. Only 10%
of these bottles are recycled; the remainder end up in landfills, where the chemicals in the plastic leach
into the water supply. Or they end up discarded as litter along our roads and in our parks. Some even
float out to sea, contributing to water pollution.

"What's on Our Plate and Why does it Matter" gives us an opportunity to look at the food and water
supply, and ask how our consumption of bottled water, or imported fruits and vegetables effects
everyone on the planet. This two day conference will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church and Pacific
Lutheran University, October 15 and 16, 2010. Registration is $10 for students, and $25 for adults.
Youth groups are also encouraged to attend. Register online at www.lutheranssw.org. For more
information call 253-535-8300.

Come one come all!!

First Choir practice for fall will be

Wednesday, September 8th at 7 p.m.

(Note time change from the past)

Join Us!

3 Tyler Adams
4 Kevin Rahn
6 Sue Wanwig
11 K.C. Babcock
12 Cristy Langdon
14 Mikel Skreen
Cara Kittelson
15 Larissa Moore
17 Gretchen Schwinn
Easton Ashby
18 Darcy Davidson
19 Geri Skreen
Darren Ashby
Helga Prim
20 Marlene Rahn
21 Sue LeBaron
Diana Rahn
25 Dayne Johnston
Ted Oswalt
28 Steve Foster
29 Carol Kyllingstad
30 Gene Koppert

Good News of St. Paul

St. Paul Lutheran Web Site: www.stpaulcr.com
E-mail stpaulcr1@qwestoffice.net September 2010

Pastor's page

You shall put these words of mine in your heart and soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on your
hand, and fix them as an emblem on your forehead. Teach them to your children, talking about them
when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise. Write them on
the doorposts of your house and on your gates," [Deuteronomy 11:18-20]
It's hard to believe that it is September already. Where did the summer go (not that we had much of one
weather-wise)? Two months ago I encouraged you to "begin to read the bible, to pray that the Holy
Spirit would give you understanding to what you are reading, and to apply it to your life situation, whatever
that may be." How did you do? If your summer was anything like mine, I didn't do such a great job. It
seemed that there was one thing after another that got in the way. But there were times when I was able to
break away to read and reflect on what was written, and to see how it applied to my life. I hope that was true for you, as well.
I bring this up to again remind you that there are some changes coming for the fall,
especially when it comes to reading and studying the bible. Beginning on 9/12, we
will be introducing E40. What is E40? It is that 40 minutes between services when
there will be opportunities to expand our knowledge of God, the scriptures, and
ourselves in relation to God and each other. There will be educational opportunities
for the children, for the youth and for the adults. Not only will we all be engaged in
learning at the same time, but having this time set aside will then allow us, children
youth and adults, to all worship together.
There will be one other change that occurs on 9/12. As many of you know there has been a Wednesday
night service during the summer. And you may know that there have been some unique ways to worship
during that service. It is in the spirit of that service that some of those elements will begin to be
incorporated into the 2nd service on Sundays. There has been a group of folks meeting during the summer
discussing what worship means and what that should look like from a contemporary standpoint. They
agreed that some changes are necessary to achieve a more modern feel. However, the changes will not
occur overnight. they have also decided that change should be incremental so that we all get used to new
ways of worshiping. Therefore do not be surprised if the 11 o'clock service look and feels a little different
than in the past.
Fall is a time for change. We see the weather change, the leaves on the trees change, and patterns of life
change as families move into new routines. And as you can see there are changes afoot at St Paul's as well.
As we move into this time of change, I hope that you are excited about this new chapter in the life of this
community as I am.

Pastor Bob

And God is able to provide you with every
blessing in abundance, so that by always having
enough of everything, you may share abundantly
in every good work." [2 Corinthians 9:8]

This past week Erika Agren, Bonnie Evans,
and I attended a stewardship workshop
hosted by our synod. The purpose was to
give us some tools to help us and this
community to be more effective stewards of
the resources we have.

Although there were a variety of programs
we could use, we realized that stewardship
is not about programs, but how we use what
has been entrusted to us by God. So rather
than beat you over the head with the
message that we need more money, over the
course of the next year, we will be
examining what it means to be good
stewards. That is, how do we use the
resources we have been given (our time, our
talents, our possessions) in a way that gives
glory to God.

Yes we will be talking about money, but
stewardship is much more than that. On that
note, I will leave you with two questions:

What is your 1st memory of
stewardship?
Who has shaped your understanding
of stewardship?

Pastor Bob
Women of St. Paul
Bible Study Opportunity
Are you interested in a Bible study this fall?
"Esther - It's Tough Being a Woman", by
Beth Moore will be taught beginning
Wednesday, September 15th at 6:45 p.m. by
Deb Sinclair. The class will run for eleven
weeks. Cost of the workbook is $15.00.
Please sign up or call
the church so a book
can be ordered for you.

As of this printing, 21
women have signed up
already - but there is
room for more!
- ALSO -
Do you have a project you've started and
haven't been able to
find the time to finish?

Join the Fiber Arts
group who meet the 2nd
and 4th Monday
evenings at 6:30 p.m.
in the fellowship hall.
No pressure, no commitment - just time
together to visit and be productive at the
same time.
- A N D -

Something for the Men too!
Every 2nd Saturday
morning of each month
there is a breakfast and
Bible study for the
men of St. Paul.

Join the group at 7:30 a.m. for fellowship
around the breakfast table!
Come as you are - and bring a friend!

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing, and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2) Is it summer yet? According to the calendar it says that it is supposed to be, but instead we have this cold and rainy weather. It’s hot tea and curl up and read a good book weather. Which leads to this question: When was the last time you read THE good book? This is not asked in a way to make you feel guilty, but rather asked in the spirit of what the apostle Paul was driving at. Are we conformed to the pattern of this world? That is, are we living in a way that reflects the world’s values of a “me first” mentality? Or are we being transformed by the gospel message? Are our minds and our lives being transformed by reading and studying God’s promises to us and for us? And then there are times when we are faced with decisions in our lives, and we’re not sure of which one might be the right one. There are events in our lives that test our faith, and we wonder if anyone else is going through what we’re going through. To whom or where do we turn to when we have these times of doubt? We could turn to someone like Oprah or Dr Phil. We could consult with Dear Abby or write into “Annie’s Mailbox.” These folks might be able to answer some of our questions, but do they meet our deeper spiritual needs? The Bible (also known as Basic InstructionsBefore Leaving Earth) has a message that not only speaks to our basic human needs but also to the deeper spiritual needs that we have. Do we really know what the Bible says to our particular situation? If the answer is no to any of these questions, do not feel bad. Most people may have some knowledge of some of the Bible stories, but for the most part have not explored the Bible deeply enough to know how God has been and is continually involved in human activity, or how God desires a relationship with His creation. This is why we here at St. Paul will be adding an education “hour” between Sunday services come this September. We will have the opportunity to explore the books and letters of the Bible more fully, to have a better opportunity to “test and approve what God’s will is” for our lives and for our faith community. As we move through the summer, I would encourage you to begin to read the Bible, to pray that the Holy Spirit would give you understanding to what you are reading, and to apply it to your life situation, whatever that may be. And I would encourage you to join us this September for our education time, to be with others as they are transformed through the renewing of the mind.

-Pastor Bob
By the time you receive this newsletter Vacation Bible School is right around the corner! It takes place the four Wednesdays in July - the 7^th, 14^th, 21^st and 28^th and is open to ages three through eleven. The theme this year is “High Seas Expedition” and promises to be a very eventful and fun-filled learning experience. Cost: $5.00 per preschool child and $10.00 for age 6 and over. (This is a one time fee for all four days). Preschool, ages 3-5, will be taught by Heather Wilbur and meet from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Ages 6-11 meet from 9 a.m. till 3 p.m. The kids will engage in various project/crafts, music and service opportunities taught by many St. Paul volunteers. Lunch will be provided. Linda Staudinger has dedicated many hours to organize the program, and we thank her for her energy and efforts. It’s not too late to help out. Whether you volunteer to help with the actual classes or can donate supplies, it is all needed and very much appreciated. Please consider this prayerfully and contact Linda at 274-7567 or e-mail at: staudinger8750@comcast.net.

Montana Mission Winners of the drawing for the Montana Mission were: Quilt - Diana Wilbanks and Bench - April Lundy. Thank you to everyone for your support. We look forward to an update from the mission team in the September newsletter. (The fifteen volunteers left on June 23^rd and will have returned by the time this letter reaches you.)

Pastor's Shout Out Thanks to: Those who serve at Community House, especially youth on May 23 Those who gave blood Jim Evans for floor vacuum The choir Harlan's I-5 crew All care givers

Grief and Grieving This subject always comes up when we have a church family member die and now with the death of Sharon, I thought it was appropriate to address. Grief is your emotional reaction to a significant loss. The words sorrow and heartache are often used to describe feelings of grief. Whether you lose a beloved person, animal, place or object, or a valued way of life (such as your job, marriage, or good health) some level of grief will naturally follow. Grieving is a personal experience. Depending on who you are and the nature of your loss, your process of grieving will be different from another person's experience. There is no normal and expected time period for grieving. This is the time the support comes from friends, family and fellow church members. Children do not react to loss in the same ways as adults and may not display their feelings as openly as adults. Silence about death (which indicates that the subject is taboo) does not help children deal with the loss. It must be discussed and kept simple and direct. Passage of time, social support and good self-care are usually the best medicine in the grief process. St. John's does have a Bereavement Program that starts Thurs., July 1^st from 6-8 p.m. - a time to share, care and gain support during this difficult time. And try to remember these families three to six months later with a card or a call. They are still trying to heal after their loss and need our continued support, love and prayers. To your health, K.C. Babcock, R.N Raise Your Hand! Interested in helping with a great event that involves kids? The C.R. Baptist Church is holding a block party with lots of fun and games during Mountain Mania on Sat., July 24^th. Give Pastor Mike Lerma a call at 274-4113 and see how you can pitch in to support this event. This is a great opportunity to help the kids in the community have some good old-fashioned fun. Guaranteed you will too! The more volunteers the better!

Wednesday Worship – What Is It? Looking for worship with a casual feel? Sunday mornings impossible? Want more worship in your week? Try Wednesday evening worship. Meet in the sanctuary at 7 p.m. for a couple of gathering songs, followed by Scripture, a reflection on the Word, and Communion. The service runs about 40 minutes and is not a repeat of Sunday. On the 3^rd Wednesday of the month, worship is preceded by a potluck at 6 p.m. - next potluck July 21. Come as you are!