Inspire: Gatherings

INSPIRE

GAT H E R I N G S

a m a g a z i n e f o r t h e s t. p h i l i p t h e d e a c o n c o m m u n i t y

Building Community • Lessons from the Back Nine: An Interview with Tom Lehman • Around the Fire Pit • Little Children, Big Faith • Extraordinary Gatherings summer <¤+…

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IN EVERY SUMMER OFFICE HOURS M O N DAY-T H U R S DAY

9 am-4:30 pm

ISSUE

3 Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Letter

FR I DAY

9 am-Noon CLOS E D

Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day

4 Scripture Connection

5 Read, Watch, Listen

6 Ref lections on Faith

30 Modern Day Pilgrims

33 Out & About

34 Giving Thanks

35 Calendar of Events

36 Familiar Faces

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INSPIRE

F E AT U R E A R T I C L E S

FA I T H

FRIENDS

FA M I LY

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16

24

Devoted Living: Fellowship

Around the Fire Pit

Extraordinary Gatherings

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18

26

Building Community

Hear Me Roar

Perfect for Potlucks

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20

30

All the People Assembled as One

Lessons from the Back Nine: An Interview with Tom Lehman

On The Road Again

14 Little Children, Big Faith

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INSPIRE

Vol. 1, Issue 4, Summer 2019 Published by St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church 17205 County Road 6 Plymouth, MN 55447 (763) 475-7100 editor in chief

Tim Westermeyer m a n ag i n g e d i t o r

Amanda Berger design

Malley Design s ta f f w r i t e r s

Cheryl Mathison, Kate Sterner contributions

Cindy Carlson, Rachel Arends, Jenny Puzzo website

www.spdlc.org/inspire email editorial

aberger@spdlc.org o n t h e c ov e r

Photo by Elena Koycheva

LO C A L & O R GA N I C

PRODUCE Pick up at St. Philip the Deacon from 5:00-8:00 pm, Wednesday evenings, beginning mid-June.

Sign up today by contacting Sarah at solarfreshproduce@gmail.com or (612) 810-7497.

Š2019 St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church. All rights reserved. submissions

Do you have an idea for a story or love to write? Contact our managing editor with your submission, but please keep in mind the following guidelines: (A) Your article may be edited for length and content. (B) Articles must fit in the larger themes of our publication and reflect the mission of St. Philip the Deacon. (C) All submissions will be reviewed by our editorial staff to determine the suitability for our publication.

While we would love to include all submissions, space and cost limit our ability to do that.

Submissions will not be returned.

INSPIRE

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’ve kind of lost track, but in 16 years in ministry I estimate that I’ve hosted over 75 retreats, countless volunteer trainings, myriad small group gatherings, and numerous book clubs. Personally, I love few things as much as a cozy dinner party or family get-together.

LETTER FROM

Something magical happens when people gather together, especially when it involves thoughtful conversation and good food. We are hard-wired for connection, but in our busy, everyday lives we have to be intentional about that connection, or our relationships with each other remain only as deep as our last social media post.

THE EDITOR

Even the simplest of gatherings, like a spontaneous backyard BBQ with the neighbors, offers us the opportunity to do more than just eat together. There are always the beautiful logistics of a gathering: the food, the table setting, the invitation list and the music playlist of which to think. But when we elevate our gatherings with purpose, grace, compassion, faith and love, we create even more memorable experiences. Through these experiences, our lives gain meaning and beauty.

I believe that the way we gather matters. And in this, our Gatherings issue, I hope that you find inspiration to create ways to connect more deeply with others—your family, neighbors, friends and even with the wider world. From the ways that we gather in worship (p. 12) to pulling up a chair around the backyard fire pit (p. 16) to the great family road trip (p. 30), we pray that your summer is filled with meaningful conversation, great adventures and sacred everyday moments.

Pax Christi,

“In such a fast-paced world, gathering people around a table to share a meal allows everything to slow down.

I would ask people to sit at least once a week and just enjoy each other’s company. Give them the time to talk, laugh, and fill their bellies. It seems like a small thing, but it can bring so much joy to so many people.”

Z AC POSEN

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SPD BOO K CLU B The SPD Book Club does not meet throughout the summer months, so here are three great reads that we know will inspire you. Perfect for those lazy afternoons in the hammock or by the lake!

Bread & Wine: A Love Letter Around the Table with Recipes

by Shauna Niequist

HYMNS & CAMP SO N GS W E LOV E

BY C H E R Y L M AT H I S O N

A dear family friend and Methodist minister was undergoing treatment for cancer.

When I asked him how he was coping, he replied: “When this whole ordeal began, I was pretty sure that the Bible verses I memorized as a child and taught and preached on as a minister would be my go-to for comfort. But that has not been the case. During the darkest times, my mind and heart consistently have been drawn to and comforted by the songs I learned as a child at camp and the hymns I sing with the congregation each weekend.”

There are so many benefits to singing.

An article in the Chicago Tribune (“The Health Benefits of Singing a Tune,” March 15, 2018) concluded, “Singing can boost confidence, improve mental function, help with immune response, and be a form of cardiovascular exercise.” On top of that, singing can bring comfort to a troubled heart.

Each year as the program year winds down, schedules shift toward a slower more relaxed pace and we find ourselves spending time on the road heading out of town for the lake or across the country for

vacation, or sitting around the campfire in the backyard. In these lazy days of summer, why not spend some time listening to and singing some hymns and camp songs together?

I polled the staff members of St. Philip the Deacon asking them to identify their top two or three hymns and/or camp songs and from their responses I have created an hour-long playlist of hymns and camp songs. You can find the Spotify Playlist linked at spdlc.org/summer-songs. There are even multiple versions of a few songs to suit different musical tastes.

Listen to them in the car or on the plane, while on a run, or at the beach, at the campfire or just before bed. Listen to the songs till you know them by heart. Be inspired by the power of the lyrics and be comforted by the hope and promises they contain.

Finally, be sure to explore the artists and albums behind the songs on this playlist.

For example, check out Sam Cooke’s album Change Is Gonna Come for more songs and inspiration.

The Great Alone

by Kristin Hannah 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Just Mercy

by Bryan Stevenson

11.

12.

13.

"Amazing Grace" "Beautiful Savior" "Children of the Heavenly Father" "Do Lord" "For the Beauty of the Earth" "He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands "I Shall Not Be Moved" "I’ve Got the Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy Down in My Heart" "Jesus Loves Me" "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee" "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" "Michael, Row Your Boat Ashore" "Rise, Shine, and Give God the Glory"

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Faith & Life SUMMER 2019

While we take a break from our Faith & Life Lecture Series during the summer months, it does give you the chance to catch up with past lectures— or listen again to one that inspired you many months ago. Over the course of its 16 years, we’ve had the chance to hear the stories of faithful people from all walks of life in subjects as diverse as science, literature, health, sports and so much more.

Faith & Life curates a video and audio library of lectures with past speakers, going all the way back to 2008. If you missed wonderful lectures by people like Brene Brown, Kevin Kling or Immaculée Ilibagiza, you can hear their lectures at your own pace, from downloadable podcasts.

Catch up with these inspirational voices as you drive to the cabin, walk along the lakeshore or putter in the garden. Archives and podcast links can be found at faith-and-life.org/medialivestream/ For more information visit faith-and-life.org

Read INK AND BONE

by Rachel Caine—When owning personal books is a crime, book smuggler Jesse, along with a team of brilliant scholars, confronts the keepers of all knowledge in this action-packed young

adult series. From the author of several thrillers, Rachel Caine creates an unforgettable world set in the near future, with a steampunk vibe. You’ll be begging for the next book!

Watch THE GUERNSEY LITER ARY AND POTATO PEEL PIE SOCIET Y NR (we recommend age 13+)—A charming and heartfelt story that follows Juliet Ashton as she makes unexpected friendships with residents of Guernsey Island as she writes the story of their

occupation during WWII. Based on the best-selling novel of the same name, the cast (full of "Downton Abbey" alums) will inspire you with their portrayal of courage and hope during desperate times.

Listen LOO K U P CH I L D Contemporary Christian singer/songwriter Lauren Daigle has received crossover fame for the song “You Say,” from her sophomore album.

A whole album of inspiring and meditative songs that is perfect to a lazy afternoon nap in a hammock.

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BY TIM WESTERME YER

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ne of the articles in this issue features legendary Minnesota golfer Tom Lehman.

Which gets me thinking about golf (it isn’t too hard, I confess). And the subject of golf, in turn, reminds me of a saying I once heard about the variables that determine how much a person will enjoy a round of golf.

“The enjoyment of a round of golf,” the saying goes, “depends on three things: First, WHERE you play; Second, HOW you play; And third, WHO you play with.” And the golfer listening thinks, “Yes, that sounds about right.”

But there’s a kind of surprise ending to this short little saying—kind of like a parable, I suppose—which concludes, “And if the last one is taken care of, the first two don’t really matter.” In other words, if the people you are playing with are people you want to be with— people you enjoy spending time with—nothing else much matters.

That’s a statement about gatherings—about the enjoyment we get by being together with people we know and like. And I do happen to think that there is great wisdom in the statement.

Who you are doing something with will generally trump just about anything else about that “something”—whether it’s a shared project, a game, an unexpected challenge or even a crisis. If you’re with people you know and love, the rest sort of takes care of itself.

But golf teaches us something else about gathering, too.

While it is true that generally golfers will set up rounds with people they already know, the way the game works means that it is almost inevitable that you will also regularly find yourself playing with people you don’t know. And these unexpected, unplanned connections are part of the joy of the game—the opportunity to build relationships with new acquaintances who share a similar passion and interest, and who may end up becoming dear friends.

My own sense is that life is richest when we have a good balance of these two types of gatherings. Certainly, we celebrate gatherings with those whom we already know and love—giving thanks for the gift of these deep and lasting relationships. But we should also give thanks for the opportunities God gives us to meet new friends and acquaintances—each of which presents an opportunity for us to learn and grow, and to open our hearts to another meaningful relationship in our life.

This summer, perhaps you might think of the community here at church in this way—as a place where you can deepen existing relationships; a place where you can connect with some new friends; and—very importantly—a place where you can invite others to become part of the beautiful community we share together.

This summer, may all of your gatherings be blessed.

Peace,

So golf reminds us of the perhaps simple truth that life is better when you’re doing things—when you’re gathering—with people whose company you enjoy.

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M E D I TAT I O N

"Is any pleasure on earth as great as a circle of Christian friends by a fire?"

C.S. LEWIS

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DEVOTED LIVING FELLOWSHIP

WORDS BY AMANDA BERGER

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F

ellowship is one of those weird words that we really only hear in the church. We don’t call weekend brunch or happy hour with our friends fellowship, so why do we use this word to speak about what are essentially social gatherings within the church?

The English word itself does not have a spiritual meaning—originally fellowship referred to any group bonded by a common interest, activity or feeling. At its root, it means getting together with people who have something in common with each other.

In Acts 2:42, we hear that the early Christians were “devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” So important was this act of fellowship that it was included as a critical part of life in the early church. And it wasn’t just something that they did; it was something they devoted themselves to.

So what is fellowship, especially in the church context? Is it just coffee and donuts in the fellowship hall or something more?

At SPD, we choose to believe that it is something more. Fellowship invokes the spiritual element in relationships. It is not only the connection between people, but also between a group of people and God. We believe that our connectedness to one another has value on the spiritual level and brings a deeper meaning to our relationships.

“Over the years, we’ve seen people become

“We are created for community, fashioned for fellowship, and formed for a family, and none of us can fulfill God’s purposes by ourselves.”

RICK WARREN

so much more than just acquaintances, to being the primary friend relationships in their lives,” said Cindy Carlson, Director of Congregational Life. “We’ve seen church friends who travel together, who go to dinner and socialize together. They’ve developed deep relationships, formed through the women’s circles and men’s Bible study. There are even families who’ve become so close, that as their kids have intermarried, they’re now related.”

We see fellowship as a way to create smaller groups within this large body of Christ, groups where the individuals are known and

loved for who they are, not just because they show up to Bible study or confirmation. It’s the reason youth ministry pushes so hard to engage youth in ways that move beyond the learning sphere of Christian life, and into service and fun stuff, too.

When we allow ourselves the time to engage on a social level with those who share our faith, we often have the chance to experience moments of, “You too?! I thought I was the only one.” And in those moments we experience a sense of feeling known, understood, and not alone. It is the feeling of Christ made real in our lives.

SUMMER FELLOWSHIP O P P O R T U N I T I E S AT S P D BOARS & BASEBALL

TWINS GAME

FISHING WITH KIDS

JUNE 20, 6: 0 0 PM

JULY 16, 5:45 PM

JULY 31, 6: 0 0 PM

Twice a year, those who

(BUS DEPART S SPD)

Share your love of fishing

a chance to gather for a

Twins take on the Mets

love sports and meat have

Join us as the Minnesota

great meal and to root for

for a fun night at Target

the home team. Hosted by Pastor Mark Schmid.

Field. Game starts at 7:10.

Contact Cindy Carlson for

information about tickets at ccarlson@spdlc.org.

NORTHEAST MPLS FOOD TOUR AUGUS T 15, 6:30 PM

with kids of all ages. Bring

Explore the streets of

we meet up at Parker’s Lake

try samples from many of the

your tackle (or use ours!) as for an evening of fishing.

Northeast Minneapolis and

area's fabulous restaurants.

Contact Cindy Carlson for more information at

ccarlson@spdlc.org.

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“ Ye s , w e c a n m e e t f o r a l u n c h , b u t w e’d m u c h r a t h e r l e a r n s o m e t h i n g .”

Josephine Johnson and Dor is Campbell, t wo of the founding m e m b e r s o f o u r c o n g r e g a t i o n , w e r e r e s p o n d i n g t o C i n d y C a r l s o n’ s inquir ies about organizing a regular gather ing for adults. Their r e q u e s t p r o m p t e d t h e i n au g u r at i o n o f T h e C o n v e r s at i o n .

BY K AT E S T E R N E R

BUILDING COMMUNIT Y

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n the second Tuesday of each month, adults are invited to gather in the Center for Faith and Life to learn about a special topic and enjoy a good cup of coffee in fellowship with friends. “Whether you’re retired, semi-retired, or just happen to have the afternoon free,” says Cindy, “you’re invited to join The Conversation.”

There are a number of fellowship groups that meet at St. Philip the Deacon. There are men’s morning Bible studies, women’s circles and groups that gather to learn, pray or to serve. While some groups are staff organized, many of these groups began organically, when members organized around a common interest. All of these groups, including The Conversation, create space for participants to spend time building relationships, maintaining connections and welcome new people into our faith community.

The Conversation provides a regular, monthly opportunity for people to gather at the church, and generally has a core group that like to gather to catch up with old friends, as well as meet new ones. The topics for The Conversation also give us a chance to learn from the depth of expertise and varied experiences of members of our own congregation, who serve as presenters.

As a compliment, the Encounter series was created to provide field trips designed for the community to go out and explore the many unexpected ways we can encounter God in the world. Encounter groups have visited museums, architectural wonders, concerts, wildlife and nature reserves, and historical sites. There’s always an opportunity to share a meal together. (“I think we’d lose our license to be Lutheran if we didn’t include food,” says Carlson.)

Sometimes the Encounter events have related to The Conversation. For example, The Conversation hosted an expert on 19th century immigration, who showed us the typical contents of a Swedish immigrant’s trunk. Then an Encounter group visited the American Swedish Institute to learn more about immigration from Scandinavia and to see the beautiful Christmas displays from each of the Nordic countries.

Regardless of the setting, The Conversation and Encounter events allow time for ref lection and conversation, important parts of building fellowship and community. Why not join The Conversation, each month on the 2nd Tuesday, or watch for registration information on Encounter events at spdlc. org/register. All are welcome!

PHOTOS

1. A group enjoying the sunshine at the Como Park Conservatory, during an Encounter event.

2. Participants at The Conversation learn about icons from Pastor Valerie Strand Patterson.

3. A group photo from an Encounter outing to the Mill City Museum.

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BY C H E R Y L M AT H I S O N

H E PE OPL E LL T 

ASSEMBLED AS ONE

A L L

H E PE OPL T L E L A  AL E L PL

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“All the people assembled as one.” So begins the eighth chapter of the Old Testament book of Nehemiah. The people of God had just returned from exile to the city of Jerusalem, a city laid bare by the Babylonians and virtually untouched for 70 years. The Israelites returned to find the city of God in ruins.

Immediately upon their return, Nehemiah tells us that they did two things: they rebuilt the wall and they gathered as one body. What is striking about that assembly, recorded in Nehemiah 8, is that it outlines a pattern for worship that is still in place today for congregations all around the world, including St. Philip the Deacon.

Nehemiah tells us that the assembly included all the people from all the towns: men, women and all who were able to understand. They were gathered together in a square before a gate in the newly rebuilt wall. Ezra was asked to bring the Torah—Genesis to Deuteronomy— which he read from a great wooden platform in their midst so that all could see. When he opened the book, all the people stood. Ezra praised the Lord and the people cried out, “Amen! Amen!” After the reading, the Levites instructed the people, making clear to them what they heard and giving meaning so they could understand. When the reading and the instruction concluded, Nehemiah tells us that the people ate and drank and celebrated with great joy (Nehemiah 8:2-12).

It is stunning how little worship gatherings have deviated from that assembly pattern so many centuries ago. The church still comes together today as one body, all ages together. The Word of God is read from a wooden platform, called the ambo. The people stood for the reading, as all still do for the Gospel. The Gospel begins with a simple exchange between the reader and the assembled, “A reading from . . .” followed by the response, “Glory to you O Lord.” A call and response is repeated at the reading’s conclusion. There is time for instruction, in the form of a sermon and Christian education, and our time together concludes with fellowship and celebration (coffee and donuts).

Martin Luther said, “To gather with God’s people in united adoration of the Father is as necessary to the Christian life as prayer.” Indeed, our coming together is essential as we have been united with Christ, and through him, with one another. Our expressions of corporate joy are both God-pleasing and transformative.

While we gather for worship every weekend throughout the year without interruption, we understand that summer trips, vacations and travel may on occasion interrupt your participation. Taking time to worship on your own may feel intimidating, but it doesn’t need to be. Worshipping wherever you are—be it cabin, lakeshore or hotel room—can feel intimate and meaningful and beautiful.

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Because we miss you when you are not here and because gathering together as God’s people is central to who we are, we invite you into this simple way to worship when you are away.

Gather those you are with and light a candle to signify the beginning of worship.

Read the Gospel for the day which you can find on our website www.spdlc.org.

Ask three simple questions and let all who are present answer:

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What does this reading tell you about God? What does this reading tell you about you?

What does this reading tell you about the world and what it needs?

Offer a prayer of gratitude for your blessings and petitions for the needs of others and the world.

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Conclude with celebratory fellowship, be it coffee and donuts, or fresh fruit and sparkling water, or a full-on backyard BBQ. Enjoy the company of your companions, and know that back home we are thinking of you and holding you in prayer.

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BY R ACHEL ARENDS

L I T T L E CH I L D R E N , B IG FA I T H

“Miss Rachel, where did Jesus go?” This is a question I am asked for months after the Christmas nativity is taken down at church. The young children have seen baby Jesus, talked to him, and some even held him during the Christmas season. They become worried when baby Jesus is no longer visible to them. How would you answer this question? Where DID Jesus go?

Children are full of questions and inquire about faith in many ways: Where is heaven? Are there pets there? Why can’t I see Jesus? Does God watch me ALL the time? Why do bad things happen?

As adults, we have the honor and responsibility to help these little ones grow and learn through these questions. Each time they ask, they explore more about the hard concepts of faith and spirituality. Do you have to have all of the answers? Not at all. Let your little one know you can wonder together.

In my own faith, I’ve discovered four topics that have helped me push forward as I continue to learn and grow: Wonder, Believe, Read and Pray. Let’s explore them and some tangible ways to share these moments with your little ones.

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WONDER

Children wonder about everything. Wonder with them and ask them questions about what they think. Ask them your own questions about faith. See what they come up with—it may surprise you.

• •

•

Draw a picture together of heaven, Jesus or other wonders they may have.

Go on an adventure to find something or someone that may help you discover an answer to your questions.

Call or video chat and ask someone else your questions. Is there a grandparent, family friend, or pastor who could wonder with you?

READ

Read a Bible story together. There are many great story Bibles to read from. God’s word can teach us such great things, one short story at a time. You could also read a children’s picture book. Oftentimes, it is easy to tie in a faith element with any book; it is simply a matter of perspective.

•

BELIEVE

Children, especially young children, have a sense of when someone isn’t being truthful with them. So, make your own belief known to them. Practice your own faith routine. What does that include?

• • •

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Show and verbalize kindness and forgiveness.

Attend worship and other events.

Sing faith-based songs together.

Ask questions as you read, such as, “Did you see the character being a kind friend?”

Have the child tell the story based on the pictures in the Bible or book.

Find stories based on the faith questions they are asking. If they want to know about heaven, find some books that depict it.

P R AY

A little prayer can go a long way in building faith. Teaching them to talk to God in whatever way works for them is an important practice. Try lots of different types of prayer, but then also listen for God and observe what God is doing in your lives after your prayers.

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Make a prayer jar with popsicle sticks and a word or drawing to serve as prayer prompts.

Try praying in different physical positions and at different volumes: hands up, kneeling, moving as you pray, shouting, whispering.

Get pictures of family and friends and pray for each of them throughout the day or week.

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T

he sun has set. The s’mores have been demolished.

There is a sense of contentment as the stars begin to peek out above. For some reason, when staring into the flames of a bonfire, people begin to open up.

The youth at SPD gather weekly throughout the summer to do just this. “This is one of the most laid-back, entry level events we host where the only agenda is to eat good food from the fire and enjoy each other’s company. We wander in and out of conversations of relevance, but everything seems so important in the moment,” said Clay Thomas, Director of Middle School Ministry. “After people’s walls are down, we discuss and argue as if it was the single greatest topic of our time.”

There is something to this openness that happens around the campfire. Anthropologists have collected data which shows that during the day the majority of human conversation is focused on work or gossip whereas at night, the bulk of conversation turns to telling stories, talking about spirituality and the deeper questions of life.

“Body language is dimmed by firelight and awareness of self and others is reduced. Facial expressions—flickering with the flames— are either softened, or in the case of fear or anguish, accentuated,” reports anthropologist Polly Weissner. “Agendas of the day are dropped while small children fall asleep in the laps of kin. Whereas time structures interactions by day, by night social interactions structure time and often continue until relationships are right.”

Weissner estimates that fireside gatherings have been a part of human culture for over 400,000 years and explains why we still love to gather around the campfire for storytelling and song. So, as you sit around your fire pit with neighbors this summer, you are simply continuing in the traditions of our ancestors, creating space and time for relationships to be built and stories to be told.

T R I S H A’ S FAVO R I T E CA M P FI R E D I N N E R

SHRIMP & SAUSAGE FOIL PACKETS When SPD’s Trisha Ragner goes camping, she makes it fun and easy to prepare a healthy, delicious meal over the fire.

Here’s a favorite recipe that her family loves. Prep the ingredients in advance and each person can decide the proportions they’d like to include in their packet.

INGREDIENTS

Frozen, cooked shrimp Polish sausage or kielbasa, sliced into 1-inch pieces Fresh mushrooms, washed Shredded carrots Orange, red, yellow peppers, sliced Broccoli, cut into small f lorets Any other vegetable you like!

Butter Salt & pepper DIRECTIONS

Tear off a 12 to 15-inch piece of aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray. Put desired ingredients in the center of the foil. Drop in a dollop of butter and season with salt and pepper. Fold foil up tightly, rolling the ends so the butter doesn’t leak out. Put on grate over hot coals or low f lame and cook until vegetables are tender.

This can easily be done on the grill if you don’t want to cook over a campfire!

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R O C K S TA R

YO U ’ R E G O N N A HE AR ME ROAR!!!

BY AMANDA BERGER

T

he bass is thumping. The kids are jumping. The energy is electric. Is it the newest downtown hotspot? Not at all.

Rather it is the SPD Center for Faith and Life during the opening of Vacation Bible School. From the minute the kids walk into the building they are met with excitement and joy as they encounter scores of volunteers and leaders working to make our VBS week something to remember all year long.

“Preparation starts in December and continues through the actual week of VBS, with tasks really ramping the last month,” said Trisha Ragner, Director of Children’s Ministry Special Programming.

SPD typically hosts around 200 kids, ages 3-4th grade, who are both from our congregation and our community. “VBS encourages kids from our own faith community as well as the surrounding community to come to church and learn about God in a very fun, nontraditional way,” said Ragner.

The days are filled with lively action, loud music, terrific games, tasty snacks, engaging Bible stories and newly-formed friendships. It is an inviting way for firsttimers to come to our church and see what we’re about. This year, VBS runs from June 10-13. Each of those days, kids arrive and go to small groups where they have a chance to get to know others their same age. Then, the kids head to opening worship, which includes music, a story intro, and daily Bible Buddy. There are station rotations including Bible Adventure, games, snacks, movies and much more. The day closes with worship recapping the day, singing some more songs, and hearing a sending message for daily living.

When asked about her hopes for the week, Ragner replied, “On the big scope—that they know they are loved unconditionally by our amazing God and he walks with them every step they take. On a smaller scale—that they are always welcome to join us at St. Philip the Deacon for any of our numerous programs!”

While VBS is one of the biggest summer offerings for elementary age kids, there are other opportunities for kids to connect as well. “We’ve got a service-oriented program called ‘We Can Help Wednesdays,’ where kids serve others in some capacity in the mornings and then play at various destinations in the afternoon,” said Ragner. “We have served inside the church walls, locally to people in our community, on a wider scale across the metro and worldwide as well. It is a great program to help kids see that they, too, can make a big difference in the world around them.” There is also summer Faith Creek on Sunday mornings in June, movie night in July and an overnight camping trip in August.

Ragner has been leading VBS at SPD for 18 years, and while it’s a lot of hard work, it is absolutely worth it. Her favorite part? “I love seeing the new faces of people joining us for the first time, and I absolutely treasure the kids worshipping together and singing their little hearts out!”

This year’s theme is “Roar” which provides an African safari inspired feel focusing on how good God is no matter what we are facing.

While the preferred registration deadline for VBS is May 15, kids are still welcome to sign up after that date, however they will not receive a t-shirt. Register online at spdlc.org.

VOLUNTEER

Debbie Maymir You can’t talk about VBS at St. Philip the Deacon without also including longtime volunteer Debbie Maymir. For over 10 years, Maymir has shared her gifts with the children of VBS by leading music and storytelling during the opening and closing worship gatherings each day.

“I think of Vacation Bible School as my annual spiritual retreat. The music is amazing and the messages are just what I need to hear! The programs are obviously designed to teach young kids the Biblical basics of the Christian faith, but these truths are the very concepts that I need to be reminded of daily. Last year, we learned that God made us, he is for us, he is always with us, he will always love us, and he made us for a reason. VBS is a mountaintop experience for me every year!” says Maymir. It’s clear that Maymir is passionate about helping kids encounter God at work in their world and helping them grow in their faith. With her abundant smiles and clear love for each and every child of God, Maymir blesses the entire week by modeling her own faithfulness.

“I hope that every kid who participates hears that they are deeply loved and cherished by the Creator of the universe, and that he has great plans for them,” said Maymir.

“I hope each one feels welcomed and included at SPD.” Do you have a passion for helping kids learn about Jesus and know that they are loved by God? VBS needs gifts like yours! To find out more about volunteering, contact Trisha at tragner@spdlc.org

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St. Philip the Deacon

LES SONS FROM THE BACK NINE AN INTERVIEW WITH TOM LEHMAN

BY TIM WESTERMEYER

Tom Lehman was our guest at the Faith & Life Lecture Series on April 17. If you missed the lecture, enjoy our exclusive interview about the intersection of faith and golf.

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“

More than anything else, golf teaches you to be resilient and to never, ever quit.”

TW: The Faith & Life Series is about the connections between Christian faith and different dimensions of everyday life, as discussed through people who have all kinds of various callings in the world. How would you say faith is connected to golf?

TL: Faith is connected to golf in the same way it is connected to anything else. Faith is a way of life, a way of believing. It inf luences the decisions you make and the perspectives you have. It helps prioritize your life in a way that creates peace, joy, love and contentment, as well as guiding you through heartache and pain, knowing that you are not alone.

Would you say that both golf and faith require a certain level of trust or willingness to take risks? If so, how?

Faith, by definition, is believing and trusting in something that you cannot 100% prove to be true. As a result, there is always a risk in putting your faith in anything: it might not hold up to what you

believe it to be. You might be let down, proven wrong, and you can get hurt. Golf is no different. You simply cannot guarantee the outcome. Every shot and every round is totally unknown. You have to approach it all with a complete trust and faith in your abilities to be able to handle whatever is thrown at you, and to be able to overcome it all. Even still, there is no guarantee of success. In both cases, in spiritual faith and faith in a golf game, it is not a blind faith based upon a guess or a gamble. It is faith that is proven as near as possible to be guaranteed….yet not all the way. The remainder, filling that gap, is what faith is.

Are there any moments from your golfing career that encapsulate the connections between faith and golf particularly powerfully, or that you remember more than others?

There have been moments in golf that I absolutely did not think I was capable of performing under the immense pressure that I faced. At least it always seemed

that way at first blush. The Schwab Championship in 2012 was that kind of moment. I had the lead with one round to play and if I held it and won, I would win the Schwab Championship and the season-long Charles Schwab Cup. I typically did not feel that kind of pressure, but with something I wanted very badly just one round away, I felt the tension. Everyone deals with pressure differently: what I do is recount all of the times that I have had big pressure moments and have come through with f lying colors. There have been many of those moments, enough to be able to gain belief and trust in my abilities. This particular day, though, this kind of recounting past successes didn’t seem to help. I was still nervous. A friend of mine walked up and we chatted enough for him to sense that I was uptight. He asked if he could pray for me and for me to have courage for the day. I said yes, and he prayed. Immediately afterwards, Sharon Funk walked up to me and asked

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me, “What was that song that Les sang last night at church?” The song she was thinking of was called “The Voice of Truth.” That song is completely about not listening to those lies and those voices that try to steal what you know to be true.

Instead, listen to the voice of truth that says to not fear and to listen to His voice, for His voice is the one that can be trusted, and the gifts he has given to me are meant to be used for his glory. So much for doubt.

Are there particular life lessons that you feel golf is good at teaching a person? If so, what are they? And why do you think golf is so good at teaching them?

One thing about golf: You lose way more than you win. The game of golf is all about getting back up when you have been knocked down. More than anything else, golf teaches you to be resilient and to never, ever quit.

Your roots are here in Minnesota. How do you think that shaped and formed you?

Having Minnesota roots probably is most inf luential in my desire to avoid the limelight and to just be a normal guy from Alexandria. I don’t like a fuss being made over me or having people treat me like I’m something more than I am. I don’t want to be Tom Lehman the professional golfer. I just want to be that Lehman guy from Alexandria.

Do you approach competitive golf differently today than when you first started out on the tour? If so, how?

When you are young, everything in life that matters most is treated as a life and death deal. We hang on to it so tight and press so hard to gain the outcome we want. As I have gotten older, I am still as competitive and still desire the outcomes that I work so hard to achieve, but I am way more able to accept whatever it is that comes my way.

How is life on the Champions Tour different than life on the PGA Tour?

Champions Tour life is more relational than the PGA Tour. The Tour is so competitive and very hard-charging and at

times cutthroat. The Champions Tour is just a bunch of guys who have gotten over the pettiness that we all had as younger people, doing away with the grudges, and just playing golf together and having fun.

The fact that we get paid is actually amazingly amazing.

Are there parts of your game that you’re working on particularly right now? Or parts of your game that don’t require as much work as they used to?

Great putting is the key to winning a lot.

That’s what I have always struggled with.

I am a good putter, and sometimes great.

When I putt great, I win. I just don’t putt great often enough. So, that is what I am working on. I maintain the belief that there is still time to become a great putter.

Stay tuned.

The theme of this issue of Inspire is “Gatherings”—how we are shaped and formed by the ways that we gather with the people close to us. Golf is certainly a social game, when you end up spending a few hours at a time with playing partners. How would you say that the “gathering” aspect of the game has impacted the relationships in your life, or the ways that you have connected with people?

Golf is the kind of game where it is possible to have real fun with the people you are playing with. It is very social in that way. I have met some of the most amazing people as a result of four hours on a golf course with them. Sometimes you connect with someone in a way that is deep and real and genuine, and a lifelong friendship develops. Most of my dearest friends have come because of golf.

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W H AT E X A C T LY A R E W E

1.

DOING HERE?

E X TR AORDIN ARY G AT H E R I N G S

BY AMANDA BERGER

S

ummer is filled with opportunities for getting together with those we love. We gather for celebrations like weddings, graduation parties and family reunions. And we put together more casual gatherings like cabin weekends, backyard cookouts and picnics on the lake.

Recently among the church staff, the book The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker has been stirring conversation. The premise of the book is that we need to take another look at how we gather—to give it a boost of intentionality. Parker believes, “Much of the time we spend in gatherings with other people disappoints us. ... Most of us remain on autopilot when we bring people together, following stale formulas, hoping that the chemistry of a good meeting, conference or party will somehow take care of itself, that thrilling results will magically emerge from the usual staid inputs.” And when we do look for advice on hosting better gatherings, we tend to turn to those in charge of logistics—the tech people for better PowerPoints, the chef for better food, or the f lorist for the perfect vibe. But these things, while important to a beautiful gathering, are not what makes it memorable.

What makes it memorable is when a gathering is infused with meaning and authenticity. Magic happens when those gathered feel a sense of deep connection and belonging and feel like they have been transported to a place where the normal rules of engagement don’t exist.

Parker writes that there are eight guidelines for hosting an extraordinary event, and while it may feel overwhelming to try to implement all of them, even choosing one or two will help to give your next dinner party or book club meeting a new depth and beauty. We’ve selected four of the guidelines here to get you started. For the rest, well, you’ll have to read the book.

“Wherever two or three gather in my name, I am with them.”

M AT T H E W 1 8 : 2 0

Most of us default to allowing the category of a meeting to be its purpose. Book clubs read a book together.

Networking events are for helping people in similar professions meet one another. A volunteer training is for training volunteers. “When we don’t examine the deeper assumptions behind why we gather, we end up skipping too quickly to replicating old, staid formats of gathering,” writes Parker, “and we forgo the possibility of creating something memorable, even transformative.”

Parker believes that you need a specific, unique and disputable purpose. So what does that mean? Take the example of a graduation party. The obvious purpose is to celebrate a young person’s graduation from high school. In Parker’s belief the purpose should look more like this: to gather those who have supported and encouraged this young person through many years of school, to mark a moment where a person moves from childhood to adulthood, and to create some expectations and accountability partners for the young person as they move on to the next phase of life. Different, right?

Now, this isn’t a purpose that the host puts on the invitation, but it can become a way of determining what else will happen at the gathering. With the purpose above the idea is to look ahead, not so much at all that led up to this moment. So, perhaps the host can skip the endless display of photos from elementary school and instead invite those gathered to write down a piece of advice to the graduate or a prayer for their future. The purpose helps to shape the gathering.

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2.

A U T H O R I TAT I V E ” H O S T.

At most gatherings today, the host takes a laissez-faire approach: provide some food and drinks, invite interesting people, and the rest will take care of itself.

Except that usually, it doesn’t. Conversation remains superficial and we leave well-fed in body, but not necessarily in spirit.

As the host, you are in control. “A ubiquitous strain of twenty-first-century culture is infecting our gatherings: being chill.

The desire to host while being non-invasive,” writes Parker. She goes on to explain that while the hope of “chill” is to allow your guests the chance to enjoy themselves, what that actually means is that they are at the mercy of the other guests.

As a host, your job is to confidently shape the gathering—help connect your guests to one another with thoughtful introductions, protect them from other guests (no one wants to become the target of all the jokes) and to help everyone have equal status in the group. The goal of your generous authority is to help everyone feel welcomed, connected and valued.

N E V E R S TA R T W I T H

3.

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LOGISTICS.

While often important, logistics are not interesting. They are not engaging. They are dull and will kill the energy of your gathering. Energy is always at its highest at the beginning of a gathering, while people are still f lush with expectation. For example, you are at a conference where they’ve slotted one of the best keynotes for the first evening’s general session. They start with music and techniques to warm the crowd up, the emcee takes the stage and...begins a long laundry list of where to find the bathrooms, how

to register for workshop sessions, and the format for lunch the next day. Wah wah.

Instead, those details could have been left for after the speaker, preparing people for where they are headed next. The initial energy was spoiled and it is nearly impossible to recapture that feeling, no matter how awesome the speaker.

CR A F T A SACRED

4.

ENDING.

Imagine that your event has been perfection. Everyone has enjoyed themselves and you’ve seen real connection made on a new and deeper level.

People are reluctant to leave and want to linger around the table...or in the hallway or the parking lot.

This is especially true of longer gatherings like a retreat or a conference: there is an impulse to find a way to continue the good vibes. So people talk about doing a reunion or meet ups between gatherings.

Or maybe people are ready to go, having had a great time, but ready to get back to the real world. How do you end it well and say goodbye?

Often an event ends with some equivalent of a thank you and then an awkward, “yep, time to go.” Rather, create a beautiful way of saying goodbye. Whether it be a sendoff ceremony, in the case of a retreat or weekend gathering or something as simple as moving your dinner guests away from the table for a nightcap (sending the signal that it’s okay to leave now), people know how to end and say goodbye.

Even if you only implement one of these tips in an upcoming gathering, you will find that something shifts for those in attendance. In a world where so many things exist mainly in a virtual capacity, people still long for real, face-to-face connection.

There is little that compares to moments where one feels genuinely seen, welcomed and appreciated. An intentional gathering can do all these things.

WHAT KINDS OF GATHERINGS ARE A PART OF YOUR LIFE? Consider these as opportunities to create moments of intention and connection: • Graduations • Family Reunions • Birthday or anniversary celebrations • Book club • Dinner parties, BBQs or potlucks • Community gatherings like National Night Out or a PTA Fundraiser • At work, consider staff meetings, team luncheons or visioning sessions • Lake or golf weekends • 4th of July, Memorial Day, Labor Day • Weddings, bridal or baby showers Want more? Read The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why it Matters by Priya Parker.

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St. Philip the Deacon

PERFECT FOR POTLUCKS

RECIPES & PHOTOGR APHY

BY AMANDA BERGER

Bread comes from grain, grain grown in sun, lit when creation first begun.

The fruits of the earth come from Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hand.

May his light shine in every land.

TRADITIONAL GERMAN TA B L E P R AY E R

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S U M M E R I S R I P E W I T H F R E S H F L AVO R S A N D O P P O R T U N I T I E S T O “ B R I N G A D I S H ” A S W E G AT H E R I N B AC K YA R D S , P A R K S , C A B I N S A N D R E U N I O N S . L U T H E R A N S A R E R E A L LY G O O D AT P O T L U C K S — S O H E R E A R E A F E W S H A R E A B L E FAVO R I T E S .

01. DEB’S ORZO SALAD This delicious summer salad is a favorite at our Soul Sisterhood Retreats. Perfected by Deb Seppala, the blend of fresh tomatoes, bright basil, and mint is perfect served cold or at room temperature. Keeps for several days and only gets more delicious!

For gluten free, substitute sprouted quinoa for orzo, and cook according to package directions. Serves 6.

4 cups chicken broth 1 ½ cups orzo 1 15 oz can of garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed 1 ½ cups halved grape tomatoes ¾ cup finely chopped red onion ½ cup chopped fresh basil leaves ½ cup chopped fresh mint leaves 1 cup pitted Kalamata olives 8 oz Pearl mozzarella Salt and pepper to taste ¾ cup Red Wine Vinaigrette (recipe follows) Pour the broth into a large saucepan.

Cover and bring to a boil over high heat.

Stir in the orzo. Cover and partially cook, until orzo is tender but still firm, stirring frequently. Cook according to length of time on package, usually about 9 minutes.

Drain the orzo in a strainer. Transfer to a large bowl and toss until slightly cooled.

Then allow to cool to room temperature.

Once cooled, toss with the beans, tomatoes, onion, basil, mint, olives, mozzarella pearls and enough vinaigrette to coat.

Season to taste with salt and pepper.

RED WINE VINAIGRET TE ¼ cup red wine 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice 2 tbsp honey 1 tsp salt ½ tsp black pepper ½ cup olive oil Whisk together the vinegar, lemon juice, honey, salt and pepper. Slowly add the olive oil and continue to whisk until blended.

Season to taste with additional salt and

pepper if desired. Makes a little more than 3/4 cup (reserve extra to moisten leftovers).

02. MEMPHIS ST YLE BABY BACK RIBS Nothing says summer like BBQ ribs. I’ve made these Texas-style ribs so many times I’ve completely lost track! Serve with your favorite BBQ sauce for dipping. Serves 4.

Gluten free and dairy free.

4 cloves minced garlic 2 tbsp brown sugar 1 tsp chili powder ½ tsp cayenne pepper 2 tsp kosher salt ¾ tsp black pepper 3 lbs baby back ribs With a sharp knife, remove the membrane from the back side of the ribs. In a small bowl, combine garlic, brown sugar, chili powder, cayenne, salt and pepper. This will make a kind of paste. Rub on both sides of the ribs and allow to sit for 10 minutes. Heat the grill to medium. Grill the ribs, covered, turning every 10 minutes or so until cooked through, 25-30 minutes.

03. PEACH COBBLER Take advantage of perfect summer fruit with this easy peach cobbler. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream. Makes 8-10 servings.

4 cups peeled sliced peaches 2 cups sugar, divided 1/2 cup water 8 tbsp butter 1 1/2 cups self-rising f lour 1 1/2 cups milk Ground cinnamon, optional Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Combine the peaches, 1 cup sugar, and water in a saucepan and mix well. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat. Put the butter in a 3-quart baking dish and place in oven to melt.

Mix remaining 1 cup sugar, f lour, and milk slowly to prevent clumping. Pour mixture

over melted butter. Do not stir. Spoon fruit on top, gently pouring in syrup. Sprinkle top with ground cinnamon, if using.

Batter will rise to top during baking. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes.

04. SPICY CHICKEN QUINOA Add some fresh, Moroccan f lavors to your next summer gathering. This also makes a quick weeknight dinner as well. Serves 4.

Gluten free and dairy free.

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes 1 tbsp Jamaican jerk seasoning 1 tsp olive oil 2 cups of chicken broth 1 cup sprouted quinoa 1/3 cup golden raisins 1/3 cup dried sweet cherries ¼ cup orange juice ¼ cup red wine vinegar 2 tbsp olive oil ½ tsp salt ½ tsp pepper 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg ½ cup sliced green onion ¼ cup minced fresh cilantro 2 tbsp sliced almonds Combine chicken and jerk seasoning in a Ziploc bag; seal and shake well to coat chicken with seasoning. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook for about 3 minutes or until nearly cooked through. Add broth; bring to a boil. Add quinoa, raisins, and cherries; stir well then cover and allow to simmer for 15 minutes (or until liquid is absorbed). Remove from heat; cover and let stand 5 minutes.

Combine orange juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper and nutmeg; whisk together. Fluff chicken mixture with a fork and pour orange juice mixture over the top; stir gently to combine. Sprinkle with onions, cilantro and almonds.

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St. Philip the Deacon

01.

02.

03.

04.

30

On The

BY AMANDA BERGER

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St. Philip the Deacon

Road Again T

here is something nostalgic about a good old-fashioned road trip, and James and Jenny Puzzo’s family does it so well. “[Road trips] were inspired by my parents and our travels as kids,” said Jenny Puzzo. “With three kids, it was too expensive to fly, so we made things into an adventure and we drove.”

While the hours on the road can feel intimidating, they are also ripe with potential. The opportunity for conversation and to make memories is important, and something that doesn’t happen without intention because of how easy it is to resort to headphones and screens. “The kids are all great travelers in the car. They are able to read or play games and they look at scenery and nap. We are fortunate that they like to travel and they can travel in the car without being miserable,” said Puzzo. It’s challenging to have a family of seven all in one van and still have room for luggage, but they make it work.

Over the years, the family has expanded their horizons with long trips to the East Coast, parts of Canada, North Carolina, a Civil Rights vacation (Memphis, Alabama, St. Louis), Florida several times, the Badlands, Niagara Falls, Seneca Falls, and so many places along the way.

Road trips give you the freedom to make spur of the moment stops, offering the

opportunity for delightful surprises and unplanned memories. “One of the silly things we did is visit the PEZ Museum in New England on a whim,” said Puzzo.

“The kids loved seeing all of the dispensers and learning how the candy is made and packaged. ... We can make the time for those adventures because we are not tied to a tight schedule."

Over the years, different trip traditions have formed, including a traveling family award called the Pike's Peak Award. “It started as an award to the person who was the most miserable, but we have changed it into the person who was the most helpful,” said Puzzo.

road or the smaller stops along the way.

Teddy loves the adventure of going to new places each time. Ellie enjoys the time to relax in the car and often brings a project (like latch hook!) to work on during the drive. Jalon loves stopping for different foods and being able to see things up close—you don’t get to see the mountains or the Appalachian Trail the same way from a plane.

There is something magical about a road trip for the Puzzo family. “We are away from the distractions and schedules of home, looking for a new adventure and we never know what the day will bring. We are united and we work as a team. Each person has a job and we get it done. One checks the hotel room for forgotten items, one empties the trash from the car, one hauls the luggage, one restocks the cooler. The list is long, but we all know that it works if we make it happen together,” said Puzzo.

“The fact that we are driving means that we have more opportunity to interact with more people from all walks of life, in so many places. We have shared items with homeless people on our trips. We have shared tables at diners with locals who had great suggestions on things to see that would be a surprise. We have been fortunate enough to see places with great wealth and with great poverty, which has given our kids a perspective about their own lives. We have driven through areas destroyed by weather and seen the impact of a tornado or a f lood, giving our children an understanding of the power of nature,” says Puzzo. These adventures allow the whole family to understand their world more and look for the ways that God shows up in it.

Each of the Puzzo kids also has their own favorite part of the road trip tradition.

Ben’s favorite part is not the destination, but the unusual things you see along the

This summer, the Puzzos will head for the North Shore, visiting Ely, the iron ore pits and Lake Superior. What adventures await?

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ROA D TRIP TIP S FROM T H E P U Z Z O FA M I LY

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It can be hard to be cooped up in a car with your family for long stretches of time. So be sure to bring headphones, a book, or ...

Try to stop every two hours for stretching and an escape from the car, but also to see what magic is along the way.

Consider slow mornings. Part of the Puzzos’ road trip routine is to have a slow morning with time for swimming at the hotel, a big breakfast, and no rushing.

This creates a nice vibe and allows them to stretch their muscles before getting into the car for the day.

Talk to each other, don’t just resort to screen time and hiding out behind a book.

Consider making a special trip playlist of music from artists who live where you are traveling.

Pay attention. Notice how the scenery changes and the temperature rises as you head south or observe the slow climb of the foothills before you hit the mountains. Notice the unique geography of each place you go through.

Don’t be afraid of the locals—some of the best recommendations come from a chance conversation at a rest stop or a restaurant.

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St. Philip the Deacon

OUT

&

The Encounter group from SPD had a mammoth time at the Bell Museum in St. Paul on February 28.

The group of 38 enjoyed their guided tour of the museum and dinner at the Colossal CafĂŠ afterward.

ABOUT

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Our lay ministry team frequently steps in to support members and families during the most difficult of times — during loss, illness, grief and pain.

Your gifts help to ease their burden and bless people in tangible ways, with prayer shawls, personal visits, worship and the celebration of Holy Communion.

“Thank you so much for all the love and support you showered on our family over the past few months. Your emails, the prayer shawls, crosses for the children, Susan’s house visit, and most importantly, your prayers all meant so much to us and was all so needed during this difficult time. Thank you for sharing your time, talents, kindness, and love with us. As our family transitions into a new reality, your continued prayers are so welcome—especially for those great three kids. Again, thank you for everything and may the Lord bless and keep you.”

—Suzanne, Brad, Brita & Ava Smith

“Many, many thanks to you and your team for the gift bag. I love the prayer shawl. It’s comforting, lightweight, and beautiful.

I love the colors. I also love the wooden cross and have held it often and will bring it with me to chemo. Your personal note was a blessing as were the other prayers and Bible verses that were included. It has been meaningful and helpful to have the prayer support of the church—you, Pastor Valerie and Cheryl, the staff, the prayer group and others.” —Name withheld for privacy “Thank you for the prayer shawl that you gave my mom which was used when she was in the hospital and at home. I have the shawl now to remind me of the many ways she was comforted by prayer. Thank you also for sharing the material on grieving and for the knitted cross square and for all your

comforting words. It helps ease the pain of losing someone by being surrounded with love and support from friends like you.”

—Patrice Erickson “Thank you very much for visiting me, and my son Tim, here at Landings of Minnetonka. It was a healing visit, being able to speak of Dave’s death. You were so kind and understanding to me—your words were deeply felt. I am looking forward to your visiting again (and enjoying your humor again, too!).” —Muriel Berg “Thank you for your much appreciated visit and the loving and meaningful prayer shawl. It was knit and used with thankful prayers! I appreciate the thoughtful gifts.

Please extend my deep thanks to the others.” —Sally Larson

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JUNE

10 - 1 3

V A C AT I O N B I B L E S C H O O L

SUMMER CA LE NDA R

All kiddos, age 3 (by June 1) and up are invited to join us for â&#x20AC;&#x153;Roarâ&#x20AC;? which provides an African safari inspired feel focusing on how good God is no matter what we are facing. Want to volunteer to help out? Contact Trisha Ragner at tragner@spdlc.org.

JUNE 25 J U LY 3 0 AUGUST 27

S I N G B O L D LY !

Drop in for refreshments and evening of hymns at Wayzata Brew Works. Led by Michael Morris, all ages welcome. Event begins at 7:00 pm.

S U N D A E S O N M O N D AY S J U N E 1 0 , J U LY 8 & A U G U S T 1 2

On the second Monday of the month, following the worship service there is a time for fellowship and ice cream sundaes.

S U N D AY M U S I C I N P LY M O U T H

J U LY

T U E S D AY, J U LY 2

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In support of the community, SPD will be hosting a booth at the Music in Plymouth summer celebration.

Stop by to say hello! Join fellow runners from SPD for the Music in Plymouth 5k on Saturday, June 29.

ALL CHURCH SUMMER PICNIC SUMMER BONFIRES W E D N E S D AY E V E N I N G S 8-10 PM

Open to high school youth (entering 9th grade in the fall and up), join us in the SPD backyard for snacks, night games and devotions around the fire. Contact Justin Daleiden for more information at jdaleiden@spdlc.org.

Join us for a potluck-style picnic for the whole family!

There will be games, music, food and fellowship. Open to all ages. Event begins at noon.

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4.

FA M I L I A R FA C E S JUSTIN DALEIDEN

1.

Describe when you knew you’d be going into ministry. When I was in about 11th grade, I was with my youth group in a coffee shop just kind of hanging out. My youth director asked, “Justin, have you ever thought about going into youth ministry?” At the time, I responded, “Nope!” It was roughly a year later that I was specifically applying to school where I could study Youth Ministry which brought me to Augsburg College.

You might say that small conversation had great impact.

2.

Justin Daleiden has been in charge of our Senior High Ministry since 2015, and has worked hard to create a thriving and vibrant ministry for our high school youth. Justin’s compassionate and friendly nature can be seen in everything he does, as evidenced in this discussion.

What’s one thing that people would be surprised to know about you? My training in recent years, I have become extremely interested in the St. Paul Winter Carnival’s Medallion Treasure Hunt. Those 12 days in winter are a blast! Also, I lived in Scotland for 1 year of service through the ELCA’s program Young Adults in Global Mission. One worked in youth ministry at a Pentecostal church where my perspective was broadened. Let’s just say the Holy Spirit was at work.

3.

What are three things on your lifetime to-do list? I’d love to give stand-up comedy a shot. I’ve always wanted to go on a hot air balloon ride, even though I’m scared of heights. Finally, I’d love to write a book one day. Not sure what that looks like, but maybe a children’s book.

How do you take care of yourself— spiritually, emotionally, and physically—so that you stay healthy in ministry? I am fortunate enough to gather with fellow youth directors on Thursday mornings at Peace Coffee in Minneapolis. Oftentimes we read insightful books that push forth faithfilled conversation. We support one another personally and simply pray for one another. I have also found it important to take time to simply be. Take time to be in nature. Be present with God. Be present in a devotion. This can be a challenging practice for me, but one that almost always fills me up.

5.

What are you passionate about right now?

Right now, I’m passionate about accompaniment. Accompaniment is the practice of walking alongside people in their current situation and this is a skill that our church can continue to live into.

This might mean walking alongside 9th graders as they get confirmed. It might mean walking alongside seniors as they graduate. It might mean walking alongside our neighbors over at Interfaith Outreach or anywhere in between. I’m passionate about the practice of accompaniment because it can apply to every relationship we have and God faithfully works through those relationships.

W H E R E W E GAT H E R M AT T E R S Support our Summer Renovation Project As part of our current Vision 20/20 Capital Appeal and Strategic Plan, we will be making some major improvements to our Middle Level this summer. This important project will result in a new Fireside Lounge for midsized gatherings and classes, an expanded and refreshed Youth Room, and larger, modern bathroom facilities. We will also make improvements to our office reception area to make it more welcoming to visitors and guests.

Thank you to everyone who is already participating in our Vision 20/20 Appeal to make these important renovations possible.

We are grateful to you for your commitment to the life of the congregation.

We want everyone to have the opportunity to contribute to this important project, so if you have not yet responded to that invitation, you can make a one-time gift to support this work at spdlc.org/giving, or by using the “Give+” app on your phone or mobile device. You may also contact Cheryl Sjaarda, our Finance Administrator, with questions about how you can support this project—or the mission and ministry of the church in general—at csjaarda@spdlc.org or 763-475-7124.

Thank you for helping to ensure that our physical plant remains attractive and inviting for all kinds of gatherings today and in the future!

17205 County Road 6 Plymouth, MN 55447

This is the power of gathering: it inspires us— delightfully—to be more hopeful, more joyful, more thoughtful; in a word, more alive.

A L I C E WAT E R S

V I S I T U S O N L I N E AT S P D L C .O R G