St Paul-Reformation provides opportunity for persons to to become members three times annually. The pastors offer sessions providing basic information about the church, about issues of Christian faith, and about ways to be involved in the Christian community. Persons planning to join the church are invited to attend a pot luck gathering where they can meet some of the leaders of the church.
On the designated Sunday for receiving members, candidates are invited forward to participate in a liturgy of welcome, affirming their baptism. Some are received by letter of transfer from other ELCA congregations. Adults who have not been baptized meet with one of the pastors for more in depth instruction in the Christian faith prior to the service of reception during which they will be baptized and received into church membership. The pastors are also available to spend additional personal time with persons who may not have been active in the church for some time and want to get re-oriented about the church today.
Interested in becoming a member? Click here to view new member information.
Contact: Pastor Anita Hill (pastoranita@stpaulref.org) or Pastor Keith Olstad (pastorkeith@stpaulref.org) or by contacting the church office (office@stpaulref.org) or call 651 224-3371.
Giving Opportunities
Stewardship is the sharing of our time, talents, and treasures. The faithful gifts of our members, given in response to God's grace, enable our congregation to minister to our community in many ways. Stewardship is recognizing that we belong to God. The church is more than the building where we gather for worship. The church is the community of believers that worships together and goes out to share God's grace.
Stewardship is about being in community, working together and complementing one another’s gifts and abilities with what we can offer. It is the way we use the gifts God has given us in order to benefit the people at SPR and those around us.
We currently have three giving programs at St. Paul-Reformation: General Stewardship, Honorarium & Memorial Program, and Mission Endowment Fund.
General Stewardship Program
October is the time of year in which we emphasize general stewardship. Members and friends of SPR are asked to complete an “Estimate of Giving Form” that describes pledges of time, talent, and financial resources for the upcoming ministry year. “Simply Giving” — an automated giving program designed to help you conveniently and consistently contribute to SPR through automated bank withdrawals, is also available. The Congregation Council uses the amount pledged in determining the annual operating budget.
Honorarium & Memorial Program
The Honorarium & Memorial Program offers a simple, affordable and memorable way to pay tribute to someone or something special. Proceeds are designed to fund SPR initiatives that are either outside of our normal operating budget or programs that would benefit from additional funds. Fund categories are reviewed and revised on a regular basis but may include the Music Program, Organ Maintenance, Altar Fund, Saturday Club Projects, Stained Glass Window Repair, and Sunday School Fund.
Mission Endowment Fund
The purpose of the Mission Endowment Fund is to promote responsible Christian stewardship of people’s accumulated assets and to enhance both the internal and outreach ministry of SPR. The fund receives contributions that are intended for lasting benefit for the mission and ministry of the church. The funds are invested with and managed by the ELCA Foundation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). A portion of the fund is distributed on an annual basis.
For more information regarding Giving Opportunities contact the church office at 651-224-3371 or via email at office@stpaulref.org