CROP WALK!!

On Sunday, April 29, the people from the Fullerton area faith community got together to take a step toward ending hunger.  About 30 people from St. Paul combined their efforts to walk about 3 miles with a number of other people from local religious organizations to make a difference in the world.  St. Paul has done some amazing work, and we had a number of people who gave a lot of support, even if they were not able to walk.

It was amazing to see such a great turnout, and it was wonderful to see so many people of different   faiths, who all cared about ending hunger.  The early number suggest that we collected well over $30,000 for this cause.  We will keep you updated as we get better numbers.  Thanks for all your help!!

SPY Outing to Joshua Tree

On Saturday, April 21, a few of the St. Paul Youth headed out to Joshua Tree National Park for the Weekend.  It was a wonderful to be able to dive into God's Creation and marvel at everything from the stars at night to the amazing rock formations.  It was a wonderful time to build community and get to know one another.  All the youth did an amazing job braving the heat, camping in the desert, and just growing together as a group.  The youth are interested in another trip soon, so stay tuned!  Hope you can join us next time!

Pastor Brian's Ordination

Ordination Service for Brian Ward In the midst of record down-pouring rain in Southern Minnesota (as much as 12 inches in less than two days), the newest pastor in the Pacifica Synod and the ELCA was ordained last night (Thursday) at St. John Lutheran Church in Mapleton, Minnesota, south of Mankato. The ordination of Pastor Brian Ward took place in the same congregation where he was baptized and confirmed. Joined by his wife, Kira, (they were married several weeks ago) his parents, grandparents, brother, sister-in-law, former and current pastors of St. John's, and many friends, it was a wonderful evening as the people of God gathered for good food, fellowship, celebration, and sacred worship. Before, during, and after the service, the rains poured and the winds blew. Unfortunately, some friends were unable to attend as they were dealing with flooding in their basements and on their property. The surrounding fields, still filled with standing corn, were saturated with inches of water that had no place to go. In the midst of it all, the Spirit of God was moving in Mapleton and a faithful new pastor and the Body of Christ came together to give thanks and praise. Pastor Ward has been called by St. Paul Lutheran Church in Fullerton to join the staff and share in the ministry of that congregation, now also formerly connected with Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Whittier..