October 2023 Newsletter

Psalm 118:24

“This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

From the Pastors desk:

It is funny how you can live in a place all your life and not experience something amazing.

Especially when others have told you how wonderful it is. We get busy. We may not think it a big deal. Or we mean to go one day, but “one day” never seems to come.

My wife Mary Kay and I experienced this over the past week. We have been told of this spot called Parfrey’s Glen Nature Reserve. It’s just a couple of miles from Devil's Head State Park. It is one of those places that family and friends all said we needed to see. So, “one day” came and we decided to finally give it a go. To say it was impressive is such an understatement. I felt like we were in another world. As we entered the park, the trail was an easy asphalt walk, which turned into groomed gravel. Then changed into a wide grass trial. Then a narrow dirt trail and before long it felt like we were on a goat path.

All leading to this narrow valley with rock walls cascading 30, 40, 50, feet high on either side.We navigated a small stream running up the middle. Our feet getting wet, we continued on, clamoring over huge boulders, and finally reaching our destination, a tranquil waterfall that was rather small, but you could tell a good rain would change that in a hurry.

I sat on top of one of those huge boulders, looking at the waterfall and back the way we came, and I was filled with awe and wonder of God and the time and patience that nature has to create something so wondrous. “This is a day that the Lord has made” seemed to be fitting at that moment. My friends, this valley could have looked like a scar on the earth, but instead, God created beauty and wonderment. And it is the same with us. In our joys, it’s easy to see God working in our daily lives.

During our difficulties, sometimes our pain feels like a scar that will never heal. And patiently

waiting for it to get better is so hard. But like that small stream that carved a canyon, God’s love and grace is a constant that will never leave you. And in your worst moments, as well as in your best, Jesus doesn’t wait for “someday” to be with you. God chose “this day” to be with you as you rest in Christ, promising to abide in you as you abide in him. This is our hope which comes from Christ’s unfailing love. And this my friends is good news.

PS - On our way out of the canyon, we ran into a couple that said we needed to go to Pewit’s Nest

Nature reserve, not far away. “Some day” we just might.

Peace+

Pastor Tim

Sunday Worship Service will be held at 8:30AM

8:30 AM August - November

10:30 AM December - March

Wednesday, October 4th Confirmation Orientation

• St. Paul's 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

• Worship

• Overview and expectations

• Fill out and return the registration form

Wednesday, October 11th

• Synod Wide "Alive Night" 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

• Central Lutheran, Edgerton, WI

• Confirmands throughout our synod will gather for a time of fun, food, and faith

We are blessed with our shared ministries to have two options for Women's Bible study.

1. Ladies Bible Study, Tuesdays at 6:30 PM at Mary Kay Knipfer’s home, 180 N. Musket Ridge Dr., Sun Prairie. Any questions, contact Mary Kay @ (608) 215-1442

2. Chara Bible Study - Studying Psalm 91 with a book by Peggy Joyce Ruth: Meets Sunday mornings at St.Paul's in Room 5 (lower level). If interested, please contact Brenda Rowbotham @ (920)478-4091.

Saturday October 14th - Pork Chop Dinner

John Kannenberg 10/1

Kyan Dorn 10/5

Michaela Lewellin 10/5

Paula Lenius 10/6

Lisa Lanphier 10/7

Jenni Hayes 10/9

Hunter Sellnow 10/9

Joel Schulenburg 10/12

Jode Rettschlag 10/14

Debbie Dorn 10/16

Daniel Converse 10/17

Kurt Jeffson 10/18

Lucy Buttendorf 10/19

Jan Crave 10/19

Aaron Wilke 10/21

Norma Cox 10/22

Even Harbort 10/22

Mark Maertz 10/22

Perry Schaller 10/23

Lyla Stuelke 10/24

Brenna Huebner 10/25

Douglas Battist 10/26

Ryder Jaehnke 10/27

Mary Hunt 10/28

Cheyenne Hahn 10/29

Avery Peachey 10/31

October 8th

Usher: Dennis & Jean B., Stephen P., Don V.

Greeter: Kris W. & Jan C.

Lector: Judy G.

Prayer Leader: Jud G.

Comm. Asst: Judy G.

Organist: Esther Pratt

Videographer: Jill O.

October 15th

Usher: Bob S., David B, Rob R.

Greeter: Russ P. & Marilyn C.

Lector: Jean T.

Prayer Leader: Jean T.

Comm. Asst: Jean T.

Organist: Elizabeth C.

Videographer: Jill O.

October 22nd

Usher: Russ P. Team

Greeter: Don & Phyllis V.

Lector: Jill O.

Prayer Leader: Jill O.

Comm. Asst: JIll O.

Organist: Elizabeth C.

Videographer: Debra M.

October 29th - Combined Worship Service

Usher: Leroy & Helen H.

Greeter: Russ P. & Marilyn C.

Lector: Val S.

Prayer Leader: Val S.

Comm. Asst: Val S.

Organist: Elizabeth C

Videographer: Debra M.

November 5th

Usher: Dennis & Jean B., Stephen P., Don V.

Greeter: Kris W. & Jan C.

Lector: Judy G.

Prayer Leader: Judy G.

Comm. Asst: Judy G.

Organist: Elizabeth C.

Videographer: Jill O.