June 2025

Dear Friends of St. Philip the Deacon:

I’m writing to share news of our transition to a new system for our church calendar, event registrations, and group management. This new online destination will be called the “SPD Hub.” The transition will not only benefit you but also our church staff, allowing us to serve you more efficiently and effectively.

On the SPD Hub—which you can access at spdlc.org/hub—you will be able to:

• View Our Church Calendar: See all upcoming events, worship services, and activities in one easy-to-navigate calendar.
• Register for Events: Easily register for classes, retreats, and more. You can also sign-up guests! When you register for an event, you’ll be asked to enter your mobile number and a code that will be sent via text. If you need to create an account, it will also ask for your email address.
• Find a Group: Discover and join small groups, volunteer teams, and ministries that align with your interests. This is a new feature that we hope will encourage connection and engagement!
• Update Your Info: Update your address, phone and email along with other information in your personal profile.
• You will have the option to download an app to your phone, making all of this available at your fingertips. To download the app, look for the “Church Center” app on your Apple or Android app store.

It is our intention to make this transition as seamless as possible for you. Watch for hands-on help between church services and important tips about these new tools in the weekly eNews, and please reach out to the church if you have any questions.

Blessings,
Tim Westermeyer
Senior Pastor

This summer, wherever you roam, bring Flat Philip with you on your faithful adventures! You can pick up a Flat Philip at the information desk in the atrium. Wherever you travel, take a moment to engage in a simple spiritual practice such as a prayer or reading a Bible passage; then snap a photo with your Flat Philip. Email your photo to social@spdlc.org so we can share it on SPD social media and encourage others to Reach out, Proclaim, and Inspire!

You can also download a Flat Philip PDF and print him out to take with you.

Each year the St. Philip the Deacon Foundation partners with the Ornburg Family to give one scholarship to a graduating high school senior. The St. Philip the Deacon Foundation Ornburg Scholarship is given in memory of Cortland and Gladys Ornburg by their children and grandchildren, one of whom was Cortland (Cork), who passed away in 2018. He was a beloved member of St. Philip the Deacon, and we are grateful to his wife Margaret for her continuing stewardship of this scholarship.

This year’s recipient is Sarah Piepkorn. Sarah is graduating from Wayzata High School and is heading to Gustavus Adolphus College to study nursing in the fall. Sarah has been an active participant in St. Philip the Deacon’s high school ministry, bringing her steady joy and excitement to our weekly gatherings. Sarah also brings her enthusiasm on Sundays, helping with Sunday School and serving in many other ways around St. Philip the Deacon. We are excited to see her continue to live out her faith. Gustavus is lucky to have her!

Through Christ our Savior we are redeemed and reconciled to God our Creator. Through God’s grace, we live as an Easter people, loving one another and God’s creation. Our joyful response to God’s grace is to care for one another and share the gift of grace. Serving our neighbors is a calling, a privilege and a joy!

SPD is offering a number of opportunities this summer for members of our faith community to enjoy the privilege of serving our neighbors.

• Plogging—Saturdays, June 7, 14, 21 at 8 a.m.
• Serve ‘n’ Sun (teens)—June 17, 26, July 24, Aug. 5
• SPD Gardening and Flower Watering
• Prayer Shawl Guild—June 26, July 24, Aug. 28 at 1 p.m.
• LWF Fabric Kits—Assembly, July 10 at 2 p.m.
• Bloodmobile at SPD—Aug. 4 from 1-6 p.m.
• Bridging Welcome Kits—Assembly, Aug. 7 from 10-11 a.m.
• Habitat for Humanity—July 28–Aug. 1
• Grocery shopping for Interfaith Outreach
• Collecting Back-to-School supplies through July

Do you know of other service opportunities, or ideas for new ones that we can share with one another? Contact Renee Putnam, at 763-475-7162 or serve@spdlc.org.

Download our Love + Serve + Grow flyer.

Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, March 5. Our pastoral team has chosen for our Lenten devotion a work co-written by our own Pastor Makayla Dahleen called, “Coming to Our Senses: Returning to God.” It comprises a series of daily scripture readings and prayers that will help us awaken our senses to God’s presence. These booklets will be available at the hospitality desk. Download a PDF here.

Lent, Holy Week and Easter Worship

Wednesdays in Lent

March 5—Ash Wednesday worship
   5:30 and 7* p.m.

March 12, 19, 26, April 2 and 9
5:30 p.m.—Lenten Soup Supper
7* p.m.—Holden Evening Prayer

Holy Week

April 12—Saturday, 5 p.m.
April 13—Palm Sunday Worship at
       8:15, 9:30* and 10:45 a.m.
April 17—Maundy Thursday, 7* p.m.
April 18—Good Friday Worship:
       Children’s Service 5:30 p.m.
       Veneration of the Cross, 7* p.m.

April 19—First Light of Easter, 5 p.m.

Easter Sunday, April 20
8 a.m.—Easter Worship
9:30* a.m.—Easter Worship
11 a.m.—Easter Worship

*Livestreamed services can be watched in real time at spdlc.org/livestream, and later at YouTube.com/@SPDLC.

Right Here, Right Now, by Amanda Berger

We are delighted to announce our first offering from SPD’s own Scroll & Chariot Press: Right Here, Right Now, by Amanda Berger. This collection of prayer, poems and spiritual practices invites you to spend time in the presence of God. Especially written for those who are young in their faith, it is a companion to the journey of learning to walk in the way of Jesus and live out our faith in the world. There is so much here for anyone of any age. Filled with original prayers and poems, Berger translates traditional spiritual disciplines into easily accessible practices for young people based on her experience as both a youth minister and spiritual director.

 You can pick up a copy at the hospitality desk for $20, or order a copy online for $25 and have shipped to your home. Visit spdlc.org/right-here.

Scroll & Chariot Press is the new publishing imprint of St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church.