According to the World Christian Encyclopedia by Barrett, Kurian, Johnson (Oxford Univ Press, 2nd edition, 2001) there are over 33,000 Christian denominations. Why so many?

In seminary I had a class called The Chronology of Paul. Using evidence in the New Testament, archaeological findings, ancient political history, ocean currents, meteorology, human anatomy and ancient ship building, we attempted to assign dates for Paul’s life and in particular, his three missionary journeys; it was quite fascinating! One begins with the Gallio inscription found at Delphi, Greece which puts Gallio as a leader in Greece in 52AD while Paul was preaching there. Now you start working backwards and forwards with other evidence.

Since the New Testament was first compiled, people have been reading the stories of Paul and Barnabas, marveling at their faith and courage in spreading the Gospel. After the 16th century, study really took off as the Bible became available to everyone in their native language. It became part of everyday conversation, discussion and argument. Add to this the rise of the scientific investigation and a revolution was at hand. As people read the Bible they started to ask questions. Where is there mention of a pope, bishops or even priests like the people knew them back at home? Where does it say a priest should be celibate? Why don’t the stories match in the Gospels? Why does Paul contradict himself? One could go on and on.

Of course each new question had to have an answer and the classic, “because I told you so” worked only as long as the person saying this had complete power over the questioner. Ask too many questions and you were invited to a barbecue…as the main event - ask poor John Hus.

All of this factored into a breakdown and re-evaluation of authority-Pandoras box was opened. However, people of conscience were still asking ‘how do I best follow Jesus?’ and as people started to live what they read, over 33,000 points of view arose, each deciding only their interpretation was correct. So Roman Catholics burned Lutherans, Lutherans burned Catholics, Catholics and Lutherans burned Presbyterians, and they all burned Anabaptists (they didn’t believe in authority.)

Meanwhile they all forgot As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.

This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.

It’s so much easier to be right.

Presider: Fr. Jim DeBruycker

Pre-Mass Speaker: SJA favorite Kate Tucker returns to us this morning. She is minister emerita of First Universalist Church in Minneapolis, and will share her thoughts on New Life. Thank you, Kate, for being with us!

Welcome our own Steve Kremer, singer guitarist and Christina Pawlowski, singer and yoga instructor as they offer special music for todays' Gym liturgies. Thank you as always!

We celebrate our Earth in the Family Masses today with word, image, song and special music by our Children’s Choir. Come to the church vestibule to pick up a packet of pollinator seeds, snap a playful selfie of your family in our “Vote Climate” photo cut-outs and commit to our Eco-Spirits’ Vote Climate Pledge to vote in a non-partisan, eco-responsible way and try to live a sustainable lifestyle.

Sun, April 24: Acts 14:21-27; Rev 21:1-5a; John 13:31-33a, 34-35 Mon, April 25: 1 Peter 5:5b-14; Mark 16:15-20 Tue, April 26: Acts of the Apostles 14:19-28; John 14:27-31a Wed, April 27: Acts of the Apostles 15:1-6; John 15:1-8 Thu, April 28: Acts of the Apostles 15:7-21; John 15:9-11 Fri, April 29: Acts of the Apostles 15:22-31; John 15:12-17 Sat, April 30: Acts of the Apostles 16:1-10; John 15:18-21 Sun, May 1: Acts 15:1-2,22-29; Rev 21:10-14,22-23; Jn 14:23-29

Tuesday and Thursday morning 8 am Mass is celebrated in the Church with Fr. DeBruycker.

FFI check the bulletin, the SJA website or call the Parish Center. The Upper Room is located in the Parish Center; Hospitality Hall is in the Church basement.

Sunday, April 24

Second Sunday Supper, 5 pm in Hospitality Hall

Monday, April 25

EcoSpirits: Let The Earth Bear Witness, 7 pm in the Upper Room

Tuesday, April 26

8 am Mass in the Church

Wednesday, April 27

New Member Dinner, 6 pm in Hospitality Hall

Thursday, April 28

8 am Mass in the Church

Choir, 7 pm in the Church

Releasing the Paralysis of Fear, 7 pm in Hospitality Hall

Saturday, April 30

First Communion, 10 am in the Gym

Sunday, May 1

Songs for the Souls, 3 pm at St. Mary’s Cathedral, St. Cloud

Amy, Arlene, Norma Amaris, Zach Arlein, Pat B., Ray B., Sally Backstrom, Lois Ballard, Lawrence Barnett, Dennis Barta, Margaret Berger, Sally Bolster, Alex Briner, Sara Brock, Mary Burns, George C., Dayna Cell, Malia Cole, Dolores Cufaude, Barb D., John D., Manfred D., Roger D., Dan, Dean, Megan Daoust, Chris & Larry Dease, Dominic, Colleen Dooley, Bob Duffy, Anne Duvalley, Jerome Eveslage, John & Margaret Frees, Greta, Sr. Gabriel, Mary Gallagher, Jacqui Gardner, Herb Gibbs, Ralph Gotto, Molly Gormley, E.W. Green, Tom Griep, John Gutterman, Hannah,

Tom H., Brent Harapat, Jamel Harris, Mary Havstad, Bernhard Hering, Betty Hinker, Jim & Pat Hinton, Mary Hoody, Ethan Hoeschen, Kathy Horner, Jody Hughes, Kirk Ingram, Judy, Cecilia Jaisle, Jamie, Thomas John, Paul Jonsson, Kathy, Judy Kadlec, Glen Kelley, Jim Kivimaki, Paul L., Amy Lainus, Jim Lappen, Rachel Larson, Jan LaVone, Dick Leahy, Gary Lindstrom, Margaret, Kyle M., Chuck MacDonald, Kahtleen Mazur,

Anne McCraken, Mary Jo McMahon, Katherine & Lauren McManus, Jackie Mead, Chuck Meiers, Mike, Dorothy Mongoven, Dan Morton, Morrie Mundahl, Nate, Tim Nipper, Craig Norby, Tom O’Brien, Dick Olson, Paul Olvera, Pam, LuAnne Palmer, Rick Pattison, Joan Penrose, Bill Peterka, Dick & Mary Pirola, Barbara Pouliot, Nikki Poynter, Rusty Pueringer, Bob Quinn, Brendan & Lorial Rathman, Rene, Ruth Reese,

Alice Ripley, Sara Robertson, Bernie Rodel, Herb Rorke, Helen Russett, Rust Family, Steven, Tyler S., Martin Salley, Conrad Sampair, Gene Schultz, Dana Sell, Aileen Sheppard, Sam Slagerman, Jeff Stearns, Tom, Irene Taddiken, Marge Tax, Jane Tax, Mike Tegedor, Matthew Tenant, Mary Eve Thomas, Echo Thoren, Tim, Ann Tonskemper, Carin Vagle, Leroy Vague, Dick Voss, Darlene Wheeler, Ian Wiek, Phil Wixsten,

A Book of Prayer is located in our Gym vestibule. If you have a family member or friend who is ill, or who has recently died, please write their names in our Book of Prayer before Mass so we may include them in prayers during our Sunday Masses.

Prayer Corner Requests: To keep prayer requests current, names will be included in the bulletin for four weeks and then removed. To renew your request, please call Nancy Becker at 612.823.8205 ext. 223.

Sunday 9 and 11 am Gym Masses:

May 1: Presider: Fr. Cassidy. Pre-Mass Speaker: Author Barbara Roy will speak on caring for her husband when he was diagnosed with Alzheimers. Her book is called Under the Bridge Backwards.

May 8: Presider: Fr. DeBruycker. Children and Youth Sunday

May 15: Presider: Fr. Cassidy. A Special Celebration of Pentecost

May 22: Presider: Fr. Cassidy. SJA Picnic (beginning at Noon at Fort Snelling State Park)

May 29: Celebrating the Community of St. Joan of Arc: Witness stories from our people.

June 5: Pre-Mass Speaker: Julie Madden on SJA Outreach Sunday. Big celebration in Hospitality Hall - visit with all our partner organizations, be amazed at all we've done, and enjoy an ice cream sandwich!

June 12: Pre-Mass Speaker: David Swanson, author, journalist, radio host, and director of World Without War.

June 19: Pre-Mass speaker: Tim McGuire, retired editor of the Star Tribune and author of Some People Even Take Them Home: A Disabled Dad, A Down Syndrome Son and Our Journey to Acceptance.

SignUpGenius for Eucharistic Ministers is available online. It is simple, user friendly and a reminder is sent 3 days before your scheduled volunteer day. FFI contact Marcia at mkurtz@stjoan.com. Gluten-free Communion is available upon request. Please see

any of the Sunday sacristans in the Gym before Mass.

Thank you to the St. Joan of Arc Adult Choir who finished this season of music making last Sunday. You have given joy and hope to our worshipping community! See you in the fall.

Singles 50+ Sunday Supper: Join us today in Hospitality Hall. 5 pm, Social Hour, 6 pm, Pork Dinner, 7 pm, Bill and Kate Isles, nationally touring singer/songwriter duo. Cost is $10. Come alone or bring a friend! FFI call Karen at 952.884.5165. Suppers re-sume in October. New Member Dinner ~ Wednesday, April 27: Welcome to the St. Joan of Arc community! If you’ve registered as a member since February, you and your family are invited to this informal dinner hosted by staff and volunteers at 6 pm in Hospitality Hall. If you registered in the past year and were unable to attend a previous dinner, join us at this one! RSVP to the Parish Center by April 24, 612.823.8205. Songs for the Soul: The SJA Choir and Cathedral Choir of

St. Mary's combine voices along with gospel singer, Robert Robinson on Sunday, May 1 at the St. Cloud Cathedral. Join us for this lively and lovely May Day concert at 3 pm. Free will offering suggested.

Expectant Family Blessinig: Are you looking to the arrival of a new member to your family through birth or adoption? The SJA Prayer Partners offer a special blessing for you and your family on Wednesday, May 11 at 7 pm in the Church...a meaningful support in this time of anticipation and waiting. FFI contact Anna Vagle at avagle@stjoan.com. Parish Picnic, Sunday, May 22: Enjoy a beautiful walk at our

annual picnic at Ft. Snelling State Park! Mass for early guests and volunteers will be celebrated at 11 am at Shelter A. Lunch served, Noon – 2 pm. Stop by the volunteer appreciation table and register to win Concert Series tickets! Reservations

are required by May 15 at the Parish Center, 612.823.8205 or on-line at www.stjoan.com. Free park permit will be provided at the ranger station. Picnic held rain or shine; rescheduled only if severe weather warning issued that morning. Please note: Ft. Snelling State Park is a mile farther south of historic Ft. Snelling. Cabaret! It is never too early to save the date for this year's SJA musical extravaganza. October 7, 8 and 9. More to come! Shoes for the Homeless: Calvary Church in Minneapolis has a foot ministry, in which volunteers wash and groom the feet of homeless guests and give them a fresh pair of shoes. We are accepting donations of gently used shoes for this ministry. Only sturdy shoes and winter boots in good condition please. Questions? Contact Gabrielle at gdane@stjoan.com.

Summary of contributions for the week and fiscal year. Includes plate, envelopes and estimated Sustaining Member payments.

Week of April 17, 2016 Actual $39,369 Budget $41,265 Prior Year Actual $42,642

YTD (July 1 – April 17) Actual $1,592,448 Budget $1,579,135 Prior Year Actual $1,541,039

Thank You!

Just War: An Idea Whose Time Has Passed: Mel Duncan - co-founder of the Nonviolent Peaceforce, will present on this recent trip to the Vatican, where he was one of 80 peace leaders evaluating the Just War theory. The power of nonviolent action is rising! Next Wednesday, April 27 at 7 pm at Jackman Hall, Plymouth Congrega-tional Church. Dining Out for Life: The Aliveness Project is a neighborhood

service provider for people with HIV/AIDS (75% of whom live in poverty), and is a recipient of SJA Justice Grants. On Thursday, April 28, a number of local restaurants will donate a portion of their proceeds to the Aliveness Project, and your dining

help is needed! FFI, go to www.aliveness.org or emai-levents@aliveness.org. SJA Neighborhood Meeting: This Thursday, April 28, the annual neighborhood meeting for Field Regina Northrop will be at McRae Park, 6 - 7 pm. Following that meeting, there will be a 46th St. Com-munity Open House to view the official draft design for 46th St. from 35W to Cedar. Hennepin County staff will be on hand, and coffee and cake will be provided. TRUST’S Annual Plant Sale and Swap, Saturday, May 7, 8 am – Noon, Bethlehem Lutheran Church parking lot, 4100 Lyndale Ave S. Swap your plants, buy homegrown plants, get advice from Master Gardeners and raise money for TRUST’S programs. FFI or to do-nate plants, call TRUST at 612.827.6159. Plant Sale: Southside Family Charter School (on the SJA campus) is having their annual plant sale on Saturday, May 21, 9 am - 3 pm and Sunday, May 22, 9 am - 1 pm. FFI contact 612.872.8322. Prayer Service in Gratitude for the gifts of our St. Joan of Arc GLBTQ members during Pride Week will be on Wednesday, June 22 at 7 pm. Special guest musician Ann Reed. The Sunday Morning Registration and Information Office

is located in the Parish Center. In the office you may register to

become a SJA parishioner; get program information; sign up for a program; and register to volunteer. The office is open after both of our Sunday morning liturgies.

FFI on Pastoral Ministries contact Mary Ann Kelly-Wright at 612.823.8205 ext 231 or via email: mkelly@stjoan.com.

Mental Health Ministry: Join us Monday, May 9 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 4100 Lyndale. Mr. Jon Hartman from the Hazelden/ Betty Ford Foundation will speak on Navigating Life With a Dual Diagnosis - Co-occurring Mental Health and Sub-stance Abuse Use Disorders. Light supper 5:45 pm, program 6:30 - 8 pm. Free-will offering accepted. All are welcome. 1.8 CEU's available to students and professionals. FFI contact Mary Ann Kelly-Wright at the Parish Center. Did You Know? Dual Diagnosis is a term when someone expe-

riences a mental illness and a substance abuse problem simultaneously. It is a very broad category and may range from devel-

oping mild depression because of binge drinking, to symptoms of bipolar disorder becoming more severe when heroin is used during period of mania. Either substance abuse or mental illness can first develop. Excerpts from www.NAMI.org. BeFriender Ministry: BeFriender Ministers offer one-to-one confidential support when facing one of life's many transitions. To find out more contact Carolyn Dobis, 651.485.2868 or Mary Ann at the Parish Center. Parish Visitor Ministry offers phone calls, visits, prayer and/or communion. If you or someone you know is unable to join us for worship or would like a long-or-short term additional connection in the home, hospital or rehab/care center, contact Mary Ann Kelly-Wright at the Parish Center. SJA/TRUST Grief Support: SJA is pleased to host the TRUST Summer grief support series that will run Thursdays, May 19 through July 18 in the Parish Center. The series will open with Dee Bailey sharing her experiences on Living with Loss: What We Need to Know About this Strange New Experience. 6:15 pm, registration and refreshments; 6:30 speaker presentation; 7 - 8 pm facilitated small groups. The full schedule is available in the Parish Center and on the church/school hallway bulletin boards. FFI contact Jean Mills at 612.986.8217.

Releasing the Paralysis of Fear: Join co-leaders Rita Benak and Mark Scannell this Thursday, April 28 at 7 pm in Hospitality Hall to explore the powerful phenomenon of fear and the freedom we experience when we re-lease ourselves from it. RSVP to the Parish Center.

Mobile Loaves and Fishes Urgent Needs: Our mobile food ministry needs NEW socks for women, boys and girls and toilet-ries in travel sizes (unused). Drop off your donations in the Parish Center lobby, and thank you so much for your help!

Congratulations to Mobile Loaves and Fishes! MLF, a Sustain-ing Partner of the SJA Outreach Fund, is the recipient of $19,000 from the sales of the Cities 97 Sampler CD. This will provide 9,500 meals to people in need! We thank everyone involved in this incredible effort and encourage you to stop by the MLF truck outside the Gym this morning for cookies and more info.

We Are One Minnesota: Come and be a presence of support for refugees in our community! Today, 1 - 3 pm at St. Paul RiverCentre, World Without Genocide (recipient of SJA Justice Grants) invites you to a celebration of unity with refugees in our state. There will be food, music and dance, and several speakers to lift up our commitment to being people of welcome and healing.

SJA Outreach Fund News: This is a restricted, designated fund that supports our outreach in the world. We rely on your contribu-tions and thank all of our donors and all of the volunteers involved in our efforts. Contributions to the Outreach Fund are not subject to the 9% archdiocesan assessment, so 100% of your donation goes to this work: SJA CARE Fund: Providing emergency financial assistance

to help keep people housed and utilities turned on. Parishion-ers administer this fund, meeting with people in need to pro-vide support that prevents homelessness in our community.

SJA Justice Grants: If you volunteer with a great nonprofit, pick up an application for a grant - this is how we partner with you, our parishioners, and with fantastic organizations locally and globally. Deadline for this round of applications is next Sunday, May 1.

Sustaining Partners: We are proud to partner in a special way with Sister Parish; Arm in Arm in Africa; Women Against Military Madness and Mobile Loaves and Fishes.

Special Project: We are providing start-up funds to Mental Health Connect, a neighborhood resource for people living with mental illness, and for their loved ones. Currently in its pilot phase, this collaborative between SJA and Bethlehem Lutheran Church is being recognized as an innovative and effective way to serve our community.

FFI on the Outreach Fund, please contact Julie Madden at the Parish Center.

An Interfaith Peace Vigil Against War: Wednesdays, 5 - 6 pm, at the Lake Street/Marshall Avenue Bridge. Join us!

FFI on Peace & Justice programs contact Julie Madden at 612.823.8205 ext 228 or jmadden@stjoan.com.

Let the Earth Bear Witness: Last week we celebrated our Earth Sunday liturgy, a breathtaking testament to the beauty of God's creation. We invite you to step out in faith and join our SJA EcoSpirits tomorrow, Monday, at 7 pm in the Parish Center for our monthly meeting, and info on all the ways you can join us in our work to honor and protect the blessings of this good world. Fred and Anna Vagle will also be with us, filling us in on how the pieces of our Earth Sunday celebration come together.

We form the faith of our community through participation in prayer, liturgy, sacraments, education, community and works of justice.

Registration for Faith Formation 2016/17 has begun. Online reg-istration is open and computers will be available Sunday mornings in Hospitality Hall through the month of April.

Camp St. Joan: Camp St. Joan supports our vision of peace at

St. Joan of Arc by Dreaming a World United. We are in need of adult volunteers to learn and teach with us this summer. This year we will explore Italy with its rich culture, history, and the roots of our Catholic

church. Please join us in giving the kids a fun-filled week at camp. FFI contact Therese at tpendleton@stjoan.com or 612.823.8205 ext. 230.

New to SJA? Meet a Mentor Family! Do you love SJA but find it hard to connect with other parish families? Would you like to be part of the many exciting SJA ministries, but don’t know how to get started? Sign up with a mentor family! Your mentor family will join you for coffee and cookies after a Family Mass to share with you the ways their family found a home at SJA. FFI contact Gabrielle at gdane@stjoan.com.

Adoptive Families Book Club: Are you touched by adoption?

Join us for a lively discussion on Saturday, May 14 at 10 am at Turtle Bread (on Chicago). Book TBA. Questions? Ask Gabrielle at gdane@stjoan.com.

: FFI contact Jennifer Gessner, at 612.823.8205 ext.

240, or jgessner@stjoan.com.

Our Nursery, located in the lower level of the Parish Center, is open for the 9 & 11 am Sunday Masses. The Nursery is a wonder-ful community of families and volunteers that allows parents to en-joy Mass and meet other families in the Parish. Drop-ins welcome!

: (Ages 4-Kindergarten) FFI contact Therese

Pendleton at 612.823.8205 ext. 230 or tpendleton@stjoan.com.

: (Grades 1-6) FFI contact Marie Bissonnette

at 612.823.8205 ext. 229 or mbissonnette@stjoan.com.

Schedule: Regular classes today. Our last class will be on May 1. Families, please join us on May 8 at the 9 or 11 am Gym Masses for Children and Youth Sunday.

Congratulations to everyone who made their First Communion

yesterday. It was a beautiful and joyous occasion. Our second group will be receiving their First Communion on April 30. Please pray for our wonderful children.

: (Grades 7-12) FFI contact Donelle

Poling at 612.823.8205 ext. 241 or dpoling@stjoan.com or Kelley Deshler at kdeshler@stjoan.com.

High School and College Graduates: We are proud of your ac-complishments and will be recognizing you by name and school during both Masses on Sunday, May 8. Please submit your name and school to Donelle at

dpoling@stjoan.com by Sunday, May 1 and wear your school colors or school themed attire on May 8.

Valleyfair: Saturday, May 21, 6th – 12th grade. Bus leaves SJA at 10 am returns at 7:30 pm. Cost $25; bring extra money for food. Permission Slip/Code of Conduct on the website. FFI contact Donelle at dpoling@stjoan.com.

: FFI contact Dennis Heaney at

612.823.8205 ext. 234 or dheaney@stjoan.com. Hats off to the Women of SJA: Join the Women of SJA on Friday, May 6, for an evening of food, vintage hat show, and an auction of art work by staff, ministries and volunteers. Doors open at 5:30 pm, dinner at 6:30 pm followed by a presentation. Wear a hat if you wish. Suggested Donation $15. RSVP by May 2 at the Parish Center 612.823.8205 or online www.stjoan.com. Honoring Choices: Health Care Directives. SAGES invites you to the 2nd of their Life Transition Series. Everyone should have their Health Care Directive in writing and up-to-date. Judine Peter-son of the Trust Nursing Group will offer her insight into the value of the document and the essentials of completing and utilizing it. Join us on Wednesday, May 4, 6:30 - 8:30 pm in Hospitality Hall. Everyone is invited. Free will offering. 2nd Monday Dialogue with SAGES: Enjoy coffee and dialogue

with former SJA staffer Cathy Doyle-Burris who will present on Keeping the Keys. Join the discussion about helping seniors make smart driving decisions on Monday, May 9, 1:30 - 3 pm in Hospitality Hall.

Bring your friends! Parish Book Club: We meet on the 2nd Wednesdays of the month to discuss our experiences with great stories. Everyone is welcome anytime! Here’s what to read next: May 11: The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd RCIA: On Holy Saturday night we baptized 8 people and con-firmed 11. Is this your year to come into full communion with the Church? Call the Parish Center and talk to Fr. Jim DeBruycker to find out about the RCIA program that will start again in October.

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