The new year of Christian education at St. Paul’s began with a festive “Rally Sunday” on Sept. 20, replete with a “bounce house” (resembling an “A Mighty Fortress” castle!) and a procession through the church with handmade percussive instruments! Sunday School for children of all ages is offered at 10 a.m. each Sunday, with the children arriving in the sanctuary in time to receive the Lord’s Supper with the community.

Dale Banke, retired pastor, continues to convene the adult class which meets at 9 a.m. in the library. For 3 consecutive weeks beginning Oct. 18, Pastor Roger Rogahn, ELCA missionary to El Salvador and Egypt, will present adult forums on ELCA global mission.

10/18: Global Mission & the changing scene in the 21st century

10/25: Mission service in El Salvador

11/1: Mission service in Cairo, Egypt

The Choir of St. Paul’s Church comes to the close of its 2008-09 season on Sunday, June 21 with a Choral Eucharist.  Singing favorite anthems from the past seasons of the church year interspersed with readings of scripture and the poetry of Susan Palo Cherwien, the choir will then be on summer hiatus until September.

We thank our director of music Barbara Hoffman and this ensemble of singers for their commitment to the weekly leadership of our communal song at St. Paul’s.

The 22nd annual Assembly of the Southwest California Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America takes place June 5-7 on the campus of California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks.  Gathering under the theme, “I Was in Prison and You Visited Me,” the assembly will be addressed by distinguished Lutheran historian Martin Marty from the University of Chicago, and will be led in scripture study by Dr. David Tiede, president emeritus and professor of New Testament, Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN.

Thank you to voting members in attendance from St. Paul’s:  Gene Larson, Mary Tabata, Barbara Hoffman, and Pastor Jim.

Pastor Jim will be in attendance as a congregational observer from St. Paul’s at the 11th biennial Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, in Minneapolis, MN, August 17-23.  Among the business of the assembly will be to adopt a churchwide statement on human sexuality, and to adopt ministry recommendations which include revising the policy to permit persons who are in committed same gender relationships to serve on the ministry rosters of the ELCA.

The Palisades Preschool marks their tenth year at St. Paul’s this year.   Plans are underway for a celebratory observance of the symbiotic relationship between school and congregation, which will take place in the fall. We are grateful for the good rapport and collegiality we share with the PPS community and, in particular, their very capable and creative director Nancy Sadler.

The renewal of the lease with PPS is currently being addressed by a congregation council task force.

Judson Studios, renowned LA-based stained glass artisans, have made their initial site visit to St. Paul’s to begin conceptualizing the stained glass window in the balcony, which will depict the crucifixion of Christ.  St Paul’s will be receiving a bequest this summer from the estate of Gertrude F. “Gertie” Miles, which directs us to place this window in her memory and to the glory of God.  Presently, nearly every major scene from the life of Christ is depicted in stained glass throughout the sanctuary, with the surprising exception of the crucifixion.

The project is expected to take 6-9 months, and at some point during the summer months the present windows in the balcony will be removed and replaced with temporary plexi-glass translucent windows.