News of Our Church

Noted Woodwind Quintet to Play at SPUCC

One of the oldest chamber ensembles in the world, the Gewandhaus Woodwind Quintet, from Leipzig, will give a concert at SPUCC on Friday November 8 at 7:00 pm to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. The program features a finale to the year of German-American friendship, Wunderbar Together. Opening remarks by Consul General Wolfgang Mössinger from the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Chicago. A wine and cheese reception will follow. The event is free. Please RSVP at gai-mn.org/quintet by November 5 for reception planning.

2020 Stewardship Campaign is Underway!

The 2020 Stewardship Campaign is underway. As we begin our journey on The Way Forward, we are reminded that the early Christian movement referred to itself as "The Way." We use this time to reflect on the mission, ministries, values, and work of St. Paul's UCC that are important to our faith formation and inspire us to participate in our vibrant faith community and the church's wider mission. What motivates you on The Way Forward?

Summit Avenue Artisan Festival returns on December 7

For more information about the event, see our Facebook page. 

Interested in being a vendor? Click here. 

Soup & Substance | Thursdays

We nourish body and soul in these hour-long gatherings, most Thursdays at Noon in the Fireside Room. Please sign up by Wednesday morning by contacting the church office (651-224-5809, ext. 0). That helps us plan the delicious meal of bread, a savory, and a sweet. Requested meal donation: $7–$8.

Rev. Clare Gromoll chosen for Next Generation Leadership Initiative

Rev. Clare Gromoll (third from right in the back row) has been admitted into a program at the national setting of the United Church of Christ called Next Generation Leadership Initiative (NGLI). It’s a six-year leadership development program for clergy who are relatively young, relatively new to the profession, and committed to local church ministry. Clare is one of 15 selected from 35 applicants for her NGLI cohort.

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. 

Make a pledge to the planet

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

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.

Please also see our Food Ethics Statement and Food Ethics Reading List.

Solar panels churning out electricity

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