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!

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.

Schola Divina: Praying for Our Schools
September Prayer Practice

This month we will practice Schola Divina. Like Lectio Divina (praying God’s Word) or Visio Divina (praying with an image or artwork), this is a prayer practice of taking time to really sit and hold a particular thing in prayer. Schola is Latin for school. So, for Schola Divina, you are invited to pray for schools, educators and places of learning. Though it’s not necessary to be physically in front of an school, this practice is perfect for those of you who see schools in your neighborhood, throughout your day, or are held captive by carpool pickup!

Download a PDF Guide to Schola Divina. You can also pick up a copy of this hand-out at the information desk in the atrium.

We welcome you to St. Philip the Deacon and are delighted that you have found our faith community. Generally, the process for joining St. Philip the Deacon is to attend a New Member Orientation and complete our membership form: spdlc.org/im-new. We frequently offer New Member Orientation sessions. You can register for these at spdlc.org/register. Any questions can be directed to Cindy Carlson at ccarlson@spdlc.org or Pastor Tim Westermeyer at twestermeyer@spdlc.org.