News of Our Church

Blessing of the Animals

Bring your four-legged loved ones for a Blessing of the Animals on Sunday August 5, during Grand Avenue Business Association's dog-friendly Paws on Grand event. Dogs and other furry friends will be blessed from 12:30 to 3:30 pm.

Every year, St. Paul’s UCC participates in this dog-days-of-summer event by setting up blessing stations on the west lawn. Two or three people offer blessings, and invariably there’s a line of people with pets waiting to take part in this gentle activity.

The Blessing of the Animals not only reflects our commitment as an Earthwise Congregation—that is, caring for all in God's creation. It also allows us to offer a form of prayer and blessing to connect with our neighbors, those living in the immediate neighborhood and also from a wider circle. Conversations at these times are usually quite meaningful. Some of the dogs reflect histories of abuse and neglect, yet now offer stories of rescue and lovingkindness.

Rev. Clare Gromoll chosen for Next Generation Leadership Initiative

Rev. Clare Gromoll 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 16 selected from 35 applicants for her NGLI cohort.

Rev. Kay Welsch honored with Leysath Award

Each year, the Minnesota Conference UCC selects a woman in ministry to be awarded the Leysath award, named after the Reverend Murdale Leysath. In 1981 Rev. Leysath was appointed Conference Minister by the Minnesota Conference, overseeing all UCC churches in the state. She was the first woman to serve in this role in the history of the UCC. Rev. Kay Welsch received this award of distinction at the Annual Meeting of the Minnesota Conference UCC in June. 

Soup & Substance | Thursdays at Noon

We nourish body and soul in these hour-long Thursday gatherings at Noon in the Fireside Room. Please sign up by Wednesday morning,if possible, by contacting the church office (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to send an email, or call 651-224-5809, ext. 0). That helps us plan the delicious meal of bread, a savory, and a sweet. Requested donation for the meal: $7–$8.

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 

Join us for supportive conversation among parents of children and youth one Sunday each month from 12:15-12:45. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to see which Sundays we meet. 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!