News of Our Church

Sing & Pray for World Peace

Lori Dokken, Tesfa Wondemagegnehu, and Judith Melander will lead us in singing songs from the recently released Justice Choir Songbook. Fueled by powerful rhythms and meaningful lyrics, we'll sing and pray for our world. Invite your friends, family, and neighbors to join in this wonderful hour! A free-will offering will be taken to support ministries of justice and compassion.

Artisan Festival is coming!

The Summit Avenue Artisan Festival will return on Saturday December 2, once again as part of Grand Meander. Artisans, if you'd like to register, click here.

Soup & Substance | Thursdays at Noon

On Thursdays at Noon, resuming again on September 14, we'll offer an opportunity to nourish body and soul. We begin at Noon in the Fireside Room with a time of spiritual reflection, followed by the meal of homemade soup and bread, a vegetable or fruit salad, and homemade cookies or bars. All this is yours for a recommended contribution of $6 or $7. Rev. Norma Rae Hunt or Rev. Clare Gromoll prompts the conversation. We wrap up by 1:00. All are welcome: members, friends, and guests. RSVP—Please indicate your interest each week by contacting the church office by the preceding Wednesday morning (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 651-224-5809, ext. 0).

credit | Minnesota House Photo Staff

Norma Rae opens legislative session

On May 10, Rev. Norma Rae Hunt offered the opening interfaith prayer for the Minnesota Legislature. Click the link to read the prayer.

Blood Pressure Checks

Get your blood pressure checked on the first or third Sunday of the month after church. We have several skilled members who offer that service at no charge in the church office during Fair Trade Coffee Hour. 

PARENTS SHARE | 2nd & 4th Sundays 

Join us for supportive conversation among parents of children and youth on the second and fourth Sundays of each month from 12:15-12:45. Starting October 22, we’ll offer gatherings from 9:45–10:15 as well. Conversation grows out of the parenting experiences we bring to the circle on any given week. Visitors are welcome. Childcare is provided.

Make a Pledge to the Planet

The Earthwise Team asks that you make a pledge for the planet. Below is a list of changes you can make to decrease your environmental footprint. Climate change is a big issue, and it seems impossible that small changes could make any difference. But we at St. Paul’s UCC know from experience that it really is accumulated small changes that make all the difference. Let’s make 2016 the year of accumulated small changes. Please, take the pledge to the planet. 

I will help to conserve energy.

• I pledge to plan my errand runs to minimize use of gas.
• I pledge to put my TV and its peripherals (cable, DVD, Roku, Xbox) on a power strip so I can turn everything off when not in use.
• I pledge to walk, ride a bike, or use public transportation on some of my outings.
• I pledge to use cold water when I wash my clothes.
• I pledge to opt in to wind energy.

I pledge to conserve the earth’s resources.

• I pledge to turn off the water while I brush my teeth.
• I pledge to help with Fair Trade Coffee Hour cleanup twice this year, so we don't have to switch back to paper.
• I pledge to reduce the packaging I purchase, whether that means bringing a container to the store for bulk or buying a big container of something rather than single serve.
• I pledge to eat less meat.

I pledge to help the environment by reducing waste and eating local, organic food.

• I pledge NOT to use a single cup coffee maker unless the pods are reusable.
• I pledge to buy 20% of my food organic or from local sources.
• I pledge to put my food scraps and coffee grounds in the compost or the garden, not the trash.
• I pledge to plant a garden or to shop at a farmers market this summer.
• I pledge to remember every day that the earth, its resources, and all its beings are not mine to take for granted.
• I pledge to ______________________________________________________ to help reduce my impact on the environment.

Earth does not belong to us. We belong to the earth. ~ Chief Seattle

Solar panels churning out electricity

Our solar panels are hard at work this summer, turning sunlight into electricity. Click here to see how they're doing!