From the Pastor’s Desk

Social Ministry P. 2-3

Confirmation P. 3

CYF News P. 4-5

Guatemala P. 6—8

Congregational Life P. 9

Budget Update P. 10

Books P. 11

Bazaar P. 12

Adult Learning P. 13-14

August Calendar P. 15

I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E :

August 2019

I drew inspiration for a Sacred Pace from a story of Jesus as told in Luke’s Gospel. As Jesus and the disciples were rushing in a crowd of people to heal a sick girl, a woman reached out to him and tugged at the hem of his cloak, begging to be healed. Though people pressed in on Jesus from all sides and his friends tried to convince him he felt nothing but the pressure of the crowd, he noticed the soft touch on his clothing and saw the woman at his feet. I long to move at a pace where despite all that is pressing in on me, I can recognize the pull of a holy, healing moment. “What am I missing?” Is the question that creeps into my mind on my many hurried days. Though the hours in a day don’t change, these summer stretches of daylight seem to create more time for this kind of reflection. “What am I missing?” How might the Divine be tugging and nudging me when I’m too busy or stressed to notice? In her book Altar in the World, author Barbara Brown Taylor writes,

“People encounter God under shady oak trees, on riverbanks, at the tops of mountains, and in long stretches of barren wilderness. God shows up in whirlwinds, starry skies, burning bushes, and perfect strangers. When people

The month of August is a final sweet taste of summer before the days shorten and the evening air becomes crisp. Autumn is a gift of its own, but watch-ing summer drift away always carries a bit of

grief for me. My childhood summers are long over, and yet I still yearn for the endless days and long nights of summer; the carefree play and the adventure of my adolescence. Surely, a lack of responsibility gave me an unhindered perspective on the world around me, whereas now the cycle of produce and clean patterns my days. The calendar says August but my to-do list stretches into December. Where did the summer go? When I was starting seminary I wrote regularly in a blog, an online journal of my learnings over the course of my studies. I titled the blog Sacred Pace, because I knew my own tendency to keep my nose down in a book and hustle and grind through my classes. I sought to move at a more sacred pace that would give me the skill to notice and appreciate the world around me. Pausing to write my reflections on what I was reading and the conversations I was having in the classroom, forced me to slow down and see the goodness and grace that chased after me each day.

Join us for worship Sunday morning

at 10:00 a.m. in the sanctuary

or Monday evenings

at 7:00 p.m. in the Courtyard

Room

Social Ministry August Calendar of Events

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Rezek House Meal August 5th Sandwich Making for Union Gospel Mission August 11th

Volunteers are needed to pick up the sandwich meat on August 10, and deliver the Sandwiches to the Union Gospel Mission on August 11! Contact Pastor Ali for more information! Back to School Drive August 11th—September 8th Global Health Ministries August 12th & 26th Food Mobile Distribution August 13th Quilting and Bandage Rolling August 14th & 28th Panera Bread Daily

want to know more about God, the son of God tells them to pay attention to the lilies of the field and the birds of the air, to women knead-ing bread and workers lining up for their pay. Whoever wrote this stuff believed that people could learn as much about the ways of God from paying attention to the world as they could from paying attention to scripture.”

Beloveds, what might you learn about God when you pay attention to the world around you? From the reliable rise of the sun, from your child’s laughter, from the persistent squirrel on the feeder? I leave you for the final month of summer with words from Barbara Brown Taylor, as a blessing- a benediction for the next thirty-one days: “Whoever you are, you are human. Wherever you are, you live in the world, which is just waiting for you to notice the holiness in it.”

~ Pastor Ali

Mystery Basket Children Sermons during August This summer the theme for worship will be "Favorite Things.” Favorite scripture passages and hymns that were submitted by members of the congregation and will be used throughout both Sunday and Monday worship services.

Your child can participate by bringing a favorite item from home each week to place in the Mystery Basket! The pastors will use whatever items are in the basket during the children's sermon.... it will be a mystery (and a challenge!) for the pastor to discover what is inside and tie to the scripture passage! To participate, each child can bring one item from home and put it in the basket before worship begins. The basket will be located in the back of the sanctuary or courtyard room each week.

Important Keystone Food Shelf Update Due to an unfortunate change in their rental space, the Keystone Food Shelf located in Roseville will be closing at the end of August. They will be serving their last clients on August 23rd. Until a new location in the North Central suburbs is found, the Keystone Food Shelf will function out of two locations: 1459 Rice Street, and 1916 University Ave. W. St. Michael’s will continue to serve as a Food Mobile site, providing critical access to the shelf to our neighbors in Roseville. We an-ticipate an increase in the number of guests who will visit our Food Mobile site. As of now, we will continue to provide groceries and Panera bread, but will deliver these items to the Rice Street location. This may change as Keystone learns how their clients adapt to this adjustment. Our ministry with Keystone is especially important during this time of transition. Thank you to our group of dedicated volunteers! Your flexibility, patience, and compassion is appreciated by Keystone as they navigate this change.

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Confirmation Registration – 8th Graders The confirmation program at St. Michael's is a wonderful time for students to deepen their relationship with God, their peers, and church leaders. It includes learning through service projects, class time, and fellowship opportunities. You can register your child for confirmation online at: http://www.stmichaelselca.com/confirmation.html

Looking for Confirmation Mentors! Are you looking for a way to deepen your connection to the church and make a positive impact in the life of a young person? Consider becoming a Confirmation Mentor! Mentors are paired with confirmation students and will learn alongside each other through volunteering, games, field trips, and more. If you are interested in becoming a Mentor, contact Pastor Ali today!

Confirmation Mentors Mark your calendars now for the upcoming year of mentor nights! August 28 Children Youth and Family Ministry Volunteer Training 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. September 18 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. October 2 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. November 15 Tour and Worship at Temple Israel, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. December 4 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. January 8 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. May 6 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

10th Grade Confirmation Students Keep an eye on your mailbox for information regarding the Rite of Confirmation Service on October 27th. Details regarding robes, photography, and confirmation projects will be sent to your homes.

10th Grade Confirmation Save the Dates September 15th 12:30 p.m. Confirmation Project Workshop October 8th 6:30 p.m. Confirmation Project Party with Church Council October 20th 12:30-3 p.m. Dependable Strengths Workshop October 23rd 6:00 -7:30 p.m. Confirmation Rehearsal and Dinner with Mentors October 27th 10:00 a.m. Confirmation Pictures 11:00 a.m. Rite of Confirmation

Back to School Supply Drive, August 11 - September 8

Fall is just around the corner and ‘Back to School’ sales will soon be starting! Social Ministry will again be collecting needed school supplies for the Roseville School District during the month of August. Specific lists of needs will be listed at church and a drop-off area will be marked in the entrance of the sanctuary. Thank you for your help in this important service to our community - your generosity will allow many students to have a good start to the school year!

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St. Mike’s Summer Monday: Join us one last time on Mon-day, August 12 at 5:30pm for an intergenerational night at St. Michael’s. We will create bags for those experiencing homelessness, and enjoy hot dogs and burgers for dinner. There will be a bonfire after the 7:00pm worship service for high school students! Arrive when you can, and regis-ter at church or online at: stmichaelselca.com/stmikes

Save the Dates Upcoming ministry opportunities for Children and Youth

CHILDREN, YOUTH & FAMILY MINISTRY NEWS

SAVE THE DATES

Rally Day | Sunday, September 8 at 10:00am: Register for the 2019-2020 for all Children, Youth, and Family Ministry Events, enjoy activities together, and view the Sunday School Classrooms.

First day of Sunday School | Sunday, September 15 at 10:00am

High School Lock-In: (9th - 12th grade students) Friday, August 23 at 6:00pm - Saturday, August 24 at 9:00am. Join in on the Lock-In as we adventure to the State Fair, have worship, and enjoy fellowship together. Your ticket in to the State Fair will be covered if you RSVP by Friday, August 15 to Jon. Otherwise, bring sleep gear for the night and cash for treats at the fair.

Middle School Bonfire: (6th-8th grade students) Sunday, October 6 | 6:00-8:00pm. Join in fellowship around the fire, snacks, and night games at St. Michael’s! We’ll roast hot dogs and s’mores around the fire.

Volunteer Training on Wednesday, August 28 | 6:00—8:00 pm: For all volunteers that do ministry with the children and youth at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church.

Blessing of the Backpacks | Sunday, August 25: Have your backpack blessed in the 10:00am Worship Service.

For all events, please sign up in the church hallway or with Jon Bates electronically.

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Senior Mission Trip to Little Rock, Arkansas

June 15—June 22, 16 youth and 4 adults travelled to Little Rock, Arkansas to participate in ministry with Ferncliff Camp, Habitat for Humanity, Disaster Assistance Center, and with Women and Children First. Every month, we will be learning more about the experience.

Questions, called to volunteer, or need to register for an event?

Connect with Jon Bates (Children, Youth & Family Director):

youth@stmichaelselca.com or 651-631-1510 ext. 202

@SMLCroseville

Hi, I’m Adam Reinke. I am a senior and this was my fourth and final mission trip as a youth at St. Michaels. This trip marked the start of a rather crazy summer. Soon I will be boarding an airplane to Romania and less than a month later I will be heading to Lake Itasca to start my freshman year of college at the University of Minnesota. Needless to say, I live a fast- paced life, and I try to use all my time. This mission trip however, was nothing like my life outside of church. Instead, I had a lot of time to think. Think about myself, my friends, my family, and what I am supposed to be. My first encounter with my thoughts happened at Ferncliff Camp, a Presbyterian Camp that specializes in eco living. There I met David Gill, former executive director of the camp. I learned that he came to the camp after leaving Heifer International Ranch be-cause they decided to drop their religious ties. The most important thing to him though, was that at Ferncliff, he could continue to be a Presbyterian minister, and also serve his mission to help the earth. I even had a con-versation about purple martins which was neat because I did a senior service project focused on preserving purple Martin habitat at my school here in Minnesota. It was then that I began wondering how I could not only become a medical researcher, but also live out my passion to restore the earth to its nat-ural beauty so the coming generations have the same privileges that I have today.

My second and most profound encounter with my thoughts came when we were packing up Thursday morning to depart from Ferncliff Camp. Standing in front of the Eco Center looking out over the beautiful hillside, I began thinking about the connections I have made at church, especially over the last four years, and my struggles with my own faith. I was standing next to Jon when I realized that no matter my struggles, I not only have a close-knit community of youth who have similar passions as me, but I have a church commu-nity, and I can teach others about faith even if I am uncertain of my own. I will be in college sooner than I could have ever planned for, but I know that these mission trips have prepared me with the tools to serve with justice for everyone I meet and also to be able to reflect on my-self and my place as a member of the king-dom of God. Thank you to the congregation for supporting my friends and me as we journeyed to Arkansas to make God's dream come true. Thank you to Pastor Ali and Brian for being role models and friends during this important time in my life. Thank you to Jon for being an awesome person to talk to and joke with. Most importantly I would like to thank the four seniors that also went on this trip. This may be the last time we are together on a mission trip, but nothing can stop us from continuing to live God's dream.

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March 2020 Guatemala Trip Planning

We are very excited to offer two trip options in March 2020 for visiting with our ILAG partners in Guatemala. Option 1: Travelers will stay at the Lutheran Center in Guatemala City for a shortened trip

of 5 days. This trip provides a shorter, less physically strenuous, less expensive way to experience our partnership while still being fully immersed in Guatemalan experiences and the ILAG. We anticipate the Option 1 trip will be less than $1000, including airfare, meals and lodging.

Over three days, the travelers will focus on the World Citizen Peace Actions; reviewing how each of us encounters these actions individually, as a congregation, and as a citizen of the world.

Seek peace within yourself and others Reach out in service Protect the environment Respect diversity Be a responsible citizen of the world

We will take this opportunity to learn about the civil war in Guatemala, the peace agree-ment, how international forces influenced history in Guatemala, and how members of ILAG were personally impacted by the war and the following peace.

The trip will culminate in the dedication of the ILAG Lutheran Center as an International

Peace Site, joining both St. Michael’s and our partner congregation in Cimiento in a renewed commitment to peace.

Option 2: Travelers will participate in a more standard trip starting at the Lutheran Center

in Guatemala City and then traveling up to the mountains to visit our partner congregation in Cimiento, typically taking 8 days. This trip requires travelers to be flexible about unfore-seen schedule changes and primitive conditions but provides a unique and life-changing experience with our partner congregation. We anticipate the Option 2 trip will be approxi-mately $1700, including airfare, meals and lodging.

An informational meeting will be held Tuesday, August 20, at St. Michael’s to answer any questions and provide more details on the Option 1 and Option 2 trips. Please contact Lisa Koland (Office has contact information) with any questions about Guatemala. Visit the bookshelf in the Courtyard Room to see photos of the families of the congregation in Cimiento, reports from the ILAG pastoral team, trip information updates, and the Synod news-letter Caminando Juntos (Walking together).

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“We want to hear from you!”

You have heard that before, right? Maybe it even causes you to roll your eyes or delete that message? But, the team spearheading the planning and communication for the Guatemala Partnership is truly seeking your input! You see, our Partnership is not just between a few travelers and the people we have met in the village; we, as the entire congregation of St. Michael’s, have made a commitment to walk beside the congregation at Santa Cruz de la Esperanza in Cimiento, Guatemala. We are a part of an even larger commitment to this Partnership. The Saint Paul Synod of the ELCA has committed to walk beside the Iglesia Luterana Augustana de Guatemala (ILAG), the Lutheran Synod in Guatemala, as it shares neighborly love with the people of Guatemala. Help us create a true partnership between the congregations of St. Michael’s and Santa Cruz de la Esperanza. Let us know your thoughts as we plan partnership op-portunities for the coming year. Your survey options: Please use this link to take this survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FMGTJMW See a member of our team at church on Aug 18 & 19 Turn a paper copy into the church office attached here or from the Guatemala bookshelf in the

Courtyard Room Guatemala Partnership Survey Are you aware of St. Michael’s Partnership with the Iglesia Luterana Augustana de Guatemala (ILAG} and our partner congregation of Santa Cruz de la Esperanza? You may have heard it called Cimiento, since that is the village the church is in. Yes No Have you ever considered traveling to Guatemala with a group from St. Michael’s to our partner congregation? Yes No Have you ever been approached about traveling to Guatemala with our St. Michael's delegation? Yes No Have you wondered what it would be like to travel to visit our partner church in Guatemala? If yes, what information would be helpful for you? Yes No Comments Continued on next page

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Other than traveling to Guatemala would you consider any of the following ways to support this partnership? Mark all that apply.

Praying for our sister congregation Writing letters to our sister congregation to let them know we are thinking of them Providing financial support for a project in Cimiento Providing a scholarship for someone who is interested in traveling to Guatemala Creating a basket for the Synod's Guatemala gala Creating a basket for St. Michael’s bazaar, with proceeds dedicated to our sister church N/A

If you have considered traveling, or have been a prior traveler, are there barriers which may prevent you from making this trip? Mark all that apply.

No, there are no real barriers Cost Scheduling problems (time of year, other commitments, school calendar, etc.) Difficulty of travel Programmatic concerns Other

What other information might be helpful to you in considering how to support our mission with the ILAG in Guatemala? If you would consider travelling, what time of year would be best for you? Are you interested in receiving other information about supporting this mission? No Yes please provide your name Do you have any other comments, questions, or concerns?

Thank you for completing this survey!

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North Minneapolis Bike Tour | August 3 |10:30 a.m.—1:00 p.m. Join us for a summer bike ride as we learn about the history of North Minneapolis and Redeemer Lutheran Church. The ride is friendly to riders of all ages and skill levels. A donation of $20 per family is requested to cover the cost of food and provide a gift to Redeemer Lutheran Church. Highlights will include pre-ride coffee and cookies at Venture North Coffee Shop and a lunch of homemade pizza at the outdoor pizza oven at Redeemer Lutheran Church! Additional legs of the trip are available for bike enthusiasts including breakfast at Milda’s Café or a post-biking beverage at La Dońa, Minnesota’s first Latinx-influenced brewery. Questions? Contact Pastor Ali at ali@stmichaelselca.com.

Reconciling in Christ: Note from the St. Michael’s Church Council Over the last 20 years St. Michael’s has taken many steps to make known its welcome to individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ and their families. These steps have included education hours and forums, clergy performing same-gender marriages, approving the use of facilities for same-gender weddings or blessings, calling and employing LGBTQ+ clergy and staff, mindfulness around all gender restrooms, crafting a blessings/naming ceremony for those who identify as transgender, and approving a welcome statement as a congregation. As part of the work we have done and will continue to do, the St. Michael’s church council will vote at its August 13, 2019, meeting on becoming a Reconciling in Christ Congregation. The RIC identification connects us with other congregations who have publicly expressed welcome and support; is a way to be publicly visible to individuals and families seeking a welcoming congregation; and becomes an additional means of outreach. If you would like to discuss the process with a Council member, feel free to reach out to Jessica Etten, Council President. Her contact information is available through the church office. All St. Michael’s council meetings are open to members of the congregation, so members are also welcome to come and join in the conversation at any time. We continue to live into our values of Expansive Welcome and Generous Hospitality as seek ways to publicly express our support for all of God’s people.

Life of the Congregation Join us in praying for… Oliver Pedretti, child of Maddie and Toby, who was baptized on July 7th. Liam Tiffany, child of Hayley and Eric, who was baptized on July 28th.

Baby Shower for Lauren and Brian Thompson

On Sunday, August 25 the church community is invited to a baby shower for Lauren and Brian Thompson after worship. The shower will be in the Fellowship Hall with treats and refresh-ments.

Young Adults Trivia Night Join young adults from Lutheran* churches across the Twin Cities for a trivia night on Tuesday, August 20 from 7-9 p.m. at Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative, 3134 California St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418. Come by yourself or with a group from your church and meet other young adults interested in gathering, nerdery (church and non-church trivia questions included!), and general merriment. RSVP by contacting Miriam Samuelson-Roberts at m.samuelson-roberts@westwoodlutheran.org *no need to be Lutheran or even a churchgoer to attend!

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2019 Budget Overview from the Finance Committee

YTD Actual YTD Budget Annual

as of 6/30/19 as of 6/30/19 Approved Budget Income $ 389,577 $ 427,929 $ 814,6681

Expenses $ 419,127 $ 404,886 $ 814,668

Net Balance $ -29,550 $ 23,043 $ 0

1 At the Annual Meeting on January 27, 2019, the congregation approved use of reserve funds of $49,822.81, if needed to meet the budget at the end of the year. This is included in the Annual Approved Budget of $814,668.

September Messenger

newsletter article submission deadline

Friday, August 23

at 9:00 a.m.

Go Green

If you prefer to read your upcoming issues of St. Michael’s monthly Messenger newsletter on our church website instead of having a paper copy mailed to you, please notify the church office.

Online Giving Did you know that you can set up a recurring automatic gift to continue supporting

the work of St. Michael's?

Authorization forms are available through the church office or on the church website

at www.stmichaelselca.com/giving-methods.html

Thank you for your generosity!

CAN – Coalition of Accompany Neighbors Volunteer Meeting CAN is a group of Congregations working collaboratively to provide accompaniment to our neighbors in the North Central Suburbs who face deportation, detention, or other immigration-based challenges. If you want to learn more about this network of neighbors, or are currently a volunteer, please join us at the next volunteer meeting is on August 14th at 7pm - Christ the King Lutheran Church, 1900 7th St NW, New Brighton. We will receive updates on current needs, work to fill important roles within the CAN group, and share stories of our accompaniment work.

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40 Years of Good Books and Good Desserts!

The Desserters II Book Club has discussed over 300 books since 1979. With a new season starting in September, new faces are always welcome. The group meets at 7:00 p.m. in the Courtyard Room of the church. These books may spark your curiosity: September 24, 2019 Dream Country by Shannon Gibney: “A riveting tale of the nightmarish spiral of death and exile connecting America and Africa.” October 22, 2019 Hag-Seed: The Tempest Retold by Margaret Atwood: “A revisiting of Shakespeare’s play of magic and illusion.”

November 26, 2019 News of the World by Paulette Jiles: “Two lonely survivors tentatively begin to trust each other, forming a bond that marks the dif-ference between life and death in a treacherous land.” January 28, 2020 My Sister the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite: “Korede should probably go to the police for the good of the menfolk of Nigeria, but she loves her sister and, as they say, family always comes first.” February 25, 2020 Virgil Wander by Leif Enger: “An enchanting and timeless all-American story that follows the inhabitants of a small Midwestern town in the quest to revive its flagging heart.”

March 24, 2020 At the Wolf's Table by Rosella Postorino, Leah Janeczko (Translator) “In Germany in 1943, 26 year-old Rosa is conscripted to be one of Hitler’s tasters, never know-ing if the meal she is eating will be her last.” April 28, 2020 The Women of Copper Country by Mary Doria Russell: “An authentic and moving historical portrait of the lives of the men and women of the early 20th century labor movement.” May 19, 2020 Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens: “For years rumors of the ‘Marsh Girl’ have haunted Barkley Cove, a quiet town on the North Carolina coast.”

Library Recommendations

Lauren Winner’s book, Mudhouse Sabbath: An Invitation to a Life of Spiritual Discipline tells the story of a woman who converts from Orthodox Judaism to Christianity. She finds that the traditions of Judaism continue to shape her spiritual practices as a Christian. This book is currently available in the Featured Titles section of our church library.

Annual Hometown Bazaar Mark your calendars and invite your neighbors and friends to St. Michael’s Annual Hometown Bazaar on Saturday, November 2nd from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. For 40 years, this amazing event has been part of our church and community. Throughout those years, proceeds from the Bazaar have helped fund needs within our church and in our larger community. You are invited to help continue this tradition of creativity, community welcome, and caring! Come and find vintage treasures, books and puzzles, seasonal crafts and gift items, and delicious homemade goodies - including lefse, ethnic specialties, and meat loaf! Buy tickets for a chance to win a quilt made by St. Michael’s own award-winning quilters. Don’t miss the delicious luncheon which is planned, prepared, and served with creativity and care by St. Michael’s members. Enjoy coffee and conversation with friends and neighbors. And, back by popular demand; plan to bid on your favorite basket in the Basket Silent Auction! We hope you will attend, but we also hope you can help! This wonderful event needs lots of volunteers of all ages in many areas. Here are some ways you can help: We need Donations: • Craft items - holiday items, wood items, needlework, etc. • Household items in USABLE condition, including - vintage items, glassware, linens,

kitchen items, jewelry, and miscellaneous. Items can be dropped off at church on October 31 and November 1. We are not able to accept or store items until those dates.

• Books - fiction/non-fiction, books for kids and teens, puzzles, DVDs, etc. • Baked goods and specialty items - cakes, cookies, bars, muffins, breads, pies, ethnic specialties, jams, jellies, candies, pickles, fudge, etc. • Themed Baskets - Join together with family, committees, friends, groups and assemble and donate a themed basket for the Bazaar Silent Auction We need People Power: This all-congregation event truly depends on help from all of us! • Volunteers of all ages are needed in all areas and for all time increments! Please consider helping in these areas: event set-up, sorting and set-up in individual bazaar areas, preparing and serving the luncheon, staffing during the day of the event, event clean-up and take-down. Benefits include comradery, conversation, and coffee breaks! More information about volunteer opportunities, specific drop -off times, and sign-ups coming soon. Contact Marsha Tofte or Grete Hanson for more information.

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Save the Date: Faith in Daily Life Wednesdays, 12:00—1:00 p.m. — Starting in September

Faith in Daily Life is an opportunity to dive in and converse about faith, life, scripture, and current events—using a book as a springboard. There are three groups; each meets once a month at a different location over lunch. Feel free to join for the year or stop in as you have time or opportunity. This year we will be reading two books, Inspired by Rachel Held Evans, and The Great Spiritual Migration: How the World’s Largest Religion is Seeking a Better Way to be Christian by Brian McLaren.

The first gatherings will be: Wednesday, September 4 Chianti Grill Wednesday, September 11 Thrivent Lunchroom Wednesday, September 18 St. Michael’s Courtyard Room We will begin by discussing the Introduction and Temple Story at the beginning of Rachel Held Evan’s book (pp. xi-8).

If the Bible isn't a science book or an instruction manual, then what is it? What do people mean when they say the Bible is inspired? When Rachel Held Evans found herself asking these questions, she began a quest to better understand what the Bible is and how it is meant to be read. What she discovered changed her--and it will change you too. Drawing on the best in recent scholarship and using her well-honed literary expertise, Evans examines some of our favorite Bible stories and possible interpretations, retelling them through memoir, original poetry, short stories, soliloquies, and even a short screenplay. Un-daunted by the Bible's most difficult passages, Evans wrestles through the process of doubt-ing, imagining, and debating Scripture's mysteries. The Bible, she discovers, is not a static work but is a living, breathing, captivating, and confounding book that is able to equip us to join God's loving and redemptive work in the world.

The Christian story, from Genesis until now, is fundamentally about people on the move—outgrowing old, broken religious systems and embracing new, more redemptive ways of life. It’s time to move again.

Brian McLaren, a leading voice in contemporary religion, argues that— notwithstanding the dire headlines about the demise of faith and drop in church attendance—Christian faith is not dying. Rather, it is embarking on a once-in-an-era spiritual shift. For millions, the journey has already begun. Drawing from his work as global activist, pastor, and public theologian, McLaren challenges

readers to stop worrying, waiting, and indulging in nostalgia, and instead, to embrace the powerful new under-standings that are reshaping the church. In The Great Spiritual Migration, he explores three profound shifts that define the change: * Spiritually, growing numbers of Christians are moving away from defining themselves by lists of beliefs and toward a way of life defined by love * Theologically, believers are increasingly rejecting the image of God as a violent Supreme Being and embracing the image of God as the renewing Spirit at work in our world for the common good * Missionally, the faithful are identifying less with organized religion and more with organizing religion—spiritual activists dedicated to healing the planet, building peace, overcoming poverty and injustice, and collaborating with other faiths to ensure a better future for all of us

McLaren invites readers to seize the moment and set out on the most significant spiritual pilgrimage of our time: to help Christianity become more Christian.

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Monday Morning Ministries Monday, September 9 7:00-8:00ish a.m. Fellowship Hall Serving Area

Historically this group reads a magazine or newspaper article, blog post, or other recent writing, or may watch a TED talk or short video to prepare for conversation about a current social, political, or ethical issue and how our faith calls us to engage. Pastor Brad and other “chefs” prepare breakfast for the group, and MMM meets in the serving area off of the main kitchen for breakfast and discussion. Those who participate assist in planning the topic and items of interest for the next month.

Religion in Life in September Sunday mornings 10:00-10:50 a.m. Courtyard Room

The Religion in Life hour offers the St. Michael's community an opportunity to: · Gain a deeper understanding of the Bible and spiritual practices so as to nurture a mature faith · Examine dynamics with regard to personal growth, parenting, marriage and human relationships to enhance health and well-being · Better understand the significant social issues in our community, nation, and world and consider how our faith calls us to respond The following speakers are lined up for September…mark your calendars now! September 8 Dr. Deanna Thompson “Theology of Friendship” Director of the Lutheran Center for Faith, Values & Community and Dr. Martin Marty Regents Chair in the Religion and Academy St. Olaf College September 15 Jesus Lucero “Faith & Equity: Leading with Love” Policy and Organizing Coordinator OutFront Minnesota September 22 Keystone Foodshelf & Chris Pulver “Food, Community, and our Neighbors” September 29 The Rev. Angela Denker Red State Christians:

Lutheran Pastor and Author

Mark Your Calendar Worship Volunteers Happy Hour—September 4

Happy Hour will have a variety of snacks and beverages

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Address Service Requested

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We’re on the web! www.stmichaelselca.com

1660 County Road B West

Roseville, Minnesota 55113

St. Michael’s Lutheran 651-631-1510 www.stmichaelselca.com

Brad Froslee Pastor brad@stmichaelselca.com

Ali Ferin Pastor ali@stmichaelselca.com

Mary Gail Hadley Office Administrator office@stmichaelselca.com

Jon Bates Director of Children, Youth, & Family Ministries youth@stmichaelselca.com

Brian Thompson Children & Youth Ministries Associate brian@stmichaelselca.com

Thomas Bartsch Organist

Jill Schendel Pianist

Karen Wilkerson Adult Choir Director

Charles Preis Adult Bell Choir Director

Cory Bock Youth Choir Director cory@stmichaelselca.com

Fanghan Liu Children’s Choir Accompanist

Kaia Zeigler Nursery Care Provider

Sam Koland Custodian

Owen Hamer Custodian

Fernando Garcia Interim Custodian

Patrick Gregg Summer Custodian

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