July 27th Sermon:
Robin Abbott delivered a sermon about using God's Gifts. See the sermon notes here.  She handed out worksheets that helped us identify our spiritual gifts that were chosen by God, specifically for us. The worksheet gives an idea on the areas that you excel at and can use in Stewardship to help serve the church. 
If you would like a copy of the worksheet, come to St. Paul, or you (Members) can go to your email and request a copy to be emailed to you. I am keeping a copy on file...perhaps my spiritual gifts will evolve over time as I grow.

Remember to bring your Spiritual Gift Inventory List Sunday and place it in the offering.

Donna Sanderson is sharing her Lavender Cookie Shortbread Recipe with us. I heard they were delicious!
Yields 2 dozen
Ingredients:
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup confectioner's sugar
1/4 tsp. almond extract (I like a tad more)
1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup almond meal
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh lavender (1 Tbsp dried)
2 Tbsp. cornstarch
1/4 tsp. sea salt
2 Tbsp. heavy cream or 1/2 & 1/2
*granulated sugar to sprinkle on top

In a mixing bowl, beat butter, confectioner's sugar, and extracts at medium-speed about 3 minutes. In a separate bowl, mix together flour, almond meal, lavender, cornstarch, and salt until combined. Reduce mixer speed to low; add flour mixture to butter mixture. Add cream and beat to combine.

Preheat oven to 350. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.

Roll dough to 1/4-inch thick between two pieces of lightly floured parchment or waxed paper. Using your favorite 2 1/2-inc cookie cutter, cut as many cookies as possible, re-rolling scraps until all dough is used. Place cookies on prepared baking sheets, at least 2 inches apart. Sprinkle with sugar. 

Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool on pan for 5 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool completely. Garnish with fresh lavender, if desired. Store, covered, at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Annual Women's Ministry Picnic
August 16th!

The Women's Ministry Annual Picnic will be held at Judy Halamka's house at noon. 

If there is rain and then we will meet at church. 

Please bring a dish to pass and your own eating utensils. 

There is a signup sheet in the Narthex.

Gangway to Galilee

Where: St. Paul Lutheran Church
*please use the East Entrance
When: August 4-8  (5:00-8:00 pm)
Who: You! & your friends too!
How: Registration forms are available here & at the VBS table in the church Narthex
Why: To Learn, Play, & Grow in Christ...Together!

The upcoming Hymns are available here.
If you'd like to receive the worksheet for discovering the spiritual gifts that God has given you, contact me here.

The July 20th sermon is available as an audio with a photo of the altar and the "selfie" that several joined in on is at the end. 
Dave Hudson discussed how "selfies" relate to Paul. The audio is low and may be better heard with earphones.

Dave also discussed this Cherokee proverb, where an old Cherokee is teaching his grandson about life...saying, there is a battle of two wolves inside us.

One is evil: It is anger, jealousy, greed, resentment, lies, inferiority, and ego.
The other is good: It is joy, peace, love, hope, humility, kindness, empathy, and truth.

The grandson asks who will win.

The old Cherokee simply replies, the one you feed.

We heard that the Progressive Dinner was a success! The participants cooked up some tasty dishes and we hope to share recipes as the weeks progress. Here is Diane's Chicken Dijon recipe:

Chicken Dijon (marinating time up to 8 hours)
2 cups fresh bread crumbs (3-4 slices)
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley
1 tsp. minced garlic
2/3 cup Dijon mustard
3 Tbsp. dry white wine
*10 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
1/4 cup melted butter

*Diane buys Amish chicken from the Country Style Market in Port Huron. You can taste the difference in the quality of meat!

Combine bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, parsley, and garlic. In shallow pan, combine mustard and wine. Dip chicken pieces in mustard mixture; roll in crumb mixture to coat. Arrange in 9 x 13 inch glass baking dish. Refrigerate, covered, up to 8 hours.

To serve: Heat oven to 350. Drizzle with melted butter. Bake, uncovered, until chicken is tender and juices run clear. (50-60 minutes).
8-10 servings

Robin Abbot will be presiding over this Sunday. The topic will be about Stewardship. Have you wondered where your talents could be best used for your church or your community? Robin will be discussing how to determine your talents and handing out a worksheet for you to complete at your leisure. It should be very interesting and all are encouraged to attend! Look for a workshop to follow in the coming months.

We've hit the 5,000 mark! Yep, 5K unique visitors to the St. Paul website.  

*may the snap peas remind you to snap pictures.

The Progressive Dinner is happening tomorrow. I bet they will have a great time, while savoring terrific food, and sharing fellowship with wonderful people!

Reminder: Your contributions to the August Newsletter are due in the office on the July 20th. The office will be closed Monday, July 21st. 
Office hours are Tuesday-Friday 8 am-1 pm.

Vacation Bible School is just around the corner. Aug. 4th -8th from 5:30-8:00pm!
Just a reminder that helpers and decorators are still needed. The VBS table in the Narthex has a sign up form.

Pastor Schedule:
July 20th - Dave Hudson
July 27th - Robin Abbott

The Hymns and Readings were posted earlier this week. There's still time to brush up before Sunday service. There are a few hymns by some famous country singers that are just beautiful.
The website visitor numbers are really climbing! We are gaining an audience and some new photos would be great to add. Let's share the joy and fellowship found at St. Paul's with our online readers as they pursue a church to join. Please share any pictures that you've taken from the events or ministries this summer.

The Directory has been published and distributed. Please watch the weekly announcements each Sunday for possible corrections to add to your copy.

VBS is coming up very quickly.  Allow the fabulous decorator within to emerge and help adorn the church on Thursday, July 31st and Friday, August 1st. Sign up in the Narthex.

Have you always wanted to play the part of the shepherd? You know you have! Plan to sign up on the volunteer list in the Narthex and meet on July 13th at 9:15 for planning. There are only 4 shepherd positions, don't be last! Call Megan Hargrave at 810-531-8833 for more information.

Time to start thinking about your August Newsletter announcements.

Diane Biskner would appreciate your information by July 20th.

Pastor Schedule

July 13th: Duane Schafer
July 20th: Dave Hudson
July 27th: Robin Abbott

Our Church Council has an open door policy for St. Paul Members.

The Progressive Dinner is coming up on July 19th! 
Did you get a ticket to ride the dinner train?

Please share your photographs of the delicious food and fellowship so we can post them on Facebook and the Blog. 
send to Michelle (if you need help with attachments, please contact me and I will be happy to give you instructions). [email protected]

Daily Scripture Readings are available here.
1st and 2nd Readings for Sunday are available as well as the Hymns if you would like to prepare ahead.

July 6th announcement reported 2.7K visitors to the website...July 20th will have an updated current amount. Can you guess the new number? 

Did you know? It's easy to sign up for the Blog to be sent to your email each week. Just enter your email address on the blog page and our free email marketing provider "MadMimi" will take care of the rest. It is an easy process and your email will never be shared or sold. 

July Pastor Schedule:
July 6th - Duane Schafer
July 13th - Duane Schafer
July 20th - Dave Hudson
July 27th - Robin Abbott

Thank you to our Interim Pastors for your wonderful care during the time we call upon our new Pastor. The Call Committee is currently reviewing 16 applicants. WOW!

The Progressive Dinner will be July 19th. For fellowship and food, hop on the vittles train at 3:30 p.m. More details here.

The June 22, 2014 Narrative Service is available for viewing. Due to it's sheer magnitude it is in 2 parts. I hope our homebound members get an opportunity to view it. It can be viewed here ---->
and on our website as well. Part 1 is the top video where you will be introduced with the church bells and Part 2 is the bottom video (with the church sign) and you will be introduced with the latter half of "Peace".

The new feature article is now available!
A Closer Look at the Liturgical Team - The Altar Guild (part 1) can be read here.

Sunday's upcoming Hymns and Readings are available here if you'd like to prepare ahead of time. The daily scripture readings are also posted on the website early in the week and can be found here each Sun/Mon. 

The July Ray is available as are the Volunteer Schedules for July and August.

I hope you are enjoying the weekly blog. Feedback and comments are welcome!
You can contact me at [email protected]
~Michelle

*Please have your cameras at the ready as you participate in the upcoming VBS and Progressive Dinner events. I'd love to have your photos for sharing on the website!