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Newsletter ST

THE

 “GOOD NEWS”

 

February 2012

 

NEWSLETTER OF

ST. PAUL’S EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH

474 Yalick Road

PO BOX 802

DALLAS, PA 18612

 

                          Phone:  570-675-3859

                             Fax:   570-675-5646

                        Email: stpaul@epix.net

                  Web Page: stpaulselca.com

                                                                            

                  Rev. Charles H. Grube, Pastor

                        Home Phone - (570) 696-2688

                                      Office Hours

                 Wednesdays & Thursdays 9:30 a.m. - Noon

                                  or by appointment

 

 

SUNDAY WORSHIP

 

8:30 & 11 am

9:45 am Sunday School

 

SATURDAY WORSHIP

5:30 PM

 

~     ~     ~     ~     ~

 

ST. PAUL'S MISSION STATEMENT

 

St. Paul's Lutheran Church is a family called together by God and united by a common faith.

 

Our mission is to share with all people, God's Love and Grace through Word and Sacrament.  Through the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to witness and serve, treating one another with love, compassion, forgiveness, and understanding.

 

By our commitments, actions, deeds, and resources, we share the Good News of Jesus Christ, reaching out to our community, nation and world.

Adopted May 1993

 

  PRAY FOR MILITARY PERSONNEL:   Brian Bayer, Katie Dale, Brian Rigez, Paul Rigez, Robert F. Nicely, Paul Hiller, Andrew Hiller, David Dymond, William B. Phillips, Jerry Price, Jesse Dale, Phillip Miller, Matt Lipo, Joe Walsh, Robert Stevens, Adam Wendoloski, Joshua Knobel, Joseph Maskalis, David Spangenberg, Lt. Commander 04 Shaun McAndrew, Cpl. Christopher Avery, Major Cindy Ruckno, Major Kevin Andersen, Captain Frank J. Michael, Jr., Daniel Worthington, Michael Tanner, Kirk Frey, Stanley Brudnicki, Charles Brudnicki, CDR Chris Petrock, Jason Reed, Ethan Jacobs, Donald Zimmerman, Jr.,  Major Andrew Kalie

 

 

ST. PAUL’S PRAYER LIST

The People of St. Paul’s, the Ministers

Please remember to ask permission from the person you are placing on the prayer list.

 

   Pray for Shut-In Members:  Bruni Bayer, David & Mary Hopkins, Rose Gula.

 

   Pray for those suffering illness:  Members:  Corey Ehret, John Holdredge, Peter Mahalick, Vic McCarty, John Reishus, Howard Swain, Betty Weaver.  Family & Friends:   Ruth Austin, Larry Berdis, Harold Cartwright, Martha Cease, Nanni Colini, Susan Diedrickson, Mike Doherty, Suzanne Fellowman, Frank Gesky, Donald Gilmore, David Haas, Julia Hardaker, Bob Hull, Katie Ide, Marvin Keck, Linda Kishbach, Bertie Krimmel, Luanna Moross, Curt Neuhring, Evelyn Neuhring, Ginny O’Malley, Bill Parrish, John Reese, Walter Roberts, Linda Root, Betty Rorick, Rodney Samson, Butch Sandt, Howard Sangston, Irene Santorelli, Gerald Siperko, Howard Sprau, Rev. Peter Jark-Swain, Damon Szatkowski, Chris Terhune, Maggie Whitehead, Erin Loftus Wicht, Marian Williard,  Katherine Wills, Jack & Arlene Wilt, Rose Wynn, and Cita (last name not given).

 

 

   The next issue of the GOOD NEWS will be the March issue and the deadline will be Noon, Sunday, February 19th.   Please remember that items for the Saturday and Sunday bulletins are due in the church office by Noon on Thursdays.

 

 

 

COUNCIL NOTES – January 2012

·          Secretary’s report was approved as presented.

·          Treasurer’s report was approved as presented.

 

WEEKLY WHITE OFFERING ENVELOPES

 

2011

2010

January

$  14,676.00

$  14,596.00

February

$  14,853.00

$  15,281.00

March

$  13,530.00

$  16,931.00

April

$  15,336.00

$  14,114.00

May

$  16,870.00

$  18,254.00

June

$  11,711.00

$  13,140.00

July

$  15,720.00

$  13,095.00

August

$    8,639.00

$  16,283.00

September

$  14,877.00

$  12,669.00

October

$  18,222.00

$  20,453.00

November

$  11,695.00

$  14,358.75

December

$  28,366.00

$  25,897.00

Total

$ 184,515.00

$ 195,071.75

 

Budget Update: St. Paul's finances as of

December:

 

Jan.- Dec. – 2011

Year to Date*

Jan. – Dec. 2010

Year to Date*

Total Income*

   $245,633.67

   $247,324.98

Transfer/Savings

   $  33,400.00

   $  45,245.00

Total Expenses

   $275,600.46

   $275,064.03

 

*General Fund; does not include Special Appeals or Designated Funds

 

Mortgage Retirement Phase III Campaign:

Total Pledged:

1/1/2011 to 12/31/2013:         $146,474.33

 

Total Received to Date:         $  76,945.00

 

Loan Obligation Balance:      $463,635.28

 

Monthly Loan Payment:        $    3,530.61

 

Property:  Drawings for the Sunday School room sinks and counters have been sent out for estimates.

 

Evangelism:  Bear Creek Men’s Retreat planned for March.

 

Social Ministry:  Assisted Health Ministry with assembling the hypothermia kits.  Twenty-seven kits were assembled and given to Catholic Social Services for distribution.

 

Old Business:  Looking to purchase camera for the Church with remaining Birthday Gift Fund.

 

New Business:  Carol Fett re-elected Treasurer.

 

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DORCAS SOCIETY UPDATE

 

The meeting of twenty-three members was called to order by Chris Bellezza.  Devotions were by Bina Holdredge, and the hostesses for the day were Helen Carey, Marge Fritzinger, Bina Holdredge, and Susan Siperko.

            Cynthia Mahalick was accepted as a new member.  A note from Pastor Grube was read, thanking Dorcas for the poinsettia and the gift he received at the Dorcas Society Christmas Party.

            The November minutes were unavailable, and will be read at the next meeting.  The December meeting was the Christmas Party, held at the Irem Country Club.

            Dorcas Society members will volunteer to help prepare, serve, and clean up the Valentine Breakfast on February 12th.

            Each member had received a copy of the new Dorcas Society By-Laws; in accordance with Article VIII, Betty Schray made a motion that the new By-Laws be accepted.  Val Rothrock seconded; acceptance of the By-Laws was by unanimous vote.

            Seeking a new secretary for the Society, volunteers were sought from the floor.  As none were heard, Krisy Bellezza will assume this duty in April when the meetings are again held in the evening.

            Betty Schray made a motion that Dorcas Society serve the Lenten Meal on Wednesday, March 7th, which was seconded by Annie Bisher.  The menu will be selected at the next meeting.

            By show of hands, the Irem Country Club was selected as the location for the 2012 Christmas Party.  Hostesses will be Annie Bisher, Mary Trexler Walters and Chris Bellezza.

            Hostesses for the February meeting will be Geri Williams, Anna Winkler and Marge Johnson.

 

Dear Brothers and

Sisters in Christ,

 

   “Repent” will be the word of the season for us this month.  Having heard John the Baptist and Jesus declare it in their preaching, it will become the key word for us throughout Lent, beginning on Ash Wednesday, February 22.  We usually think of “repent” as turning, as if we were walking on the wrong path, or the right path in the wrong direction, and turned to get on the right path.  Repentance in the church is turning from whatever distracts us from God to following Jesus in his way.  The early believers were sometimes called “people of the way” because of this image.

 

Another way to think of repentance is being opened to a different perspective.  Like someone who has traveled to a second- or third-world country from our own usually sees wealth, poverty, food and material goods from a different perspective after the trip.  Befriending someone from a different culture or religion and learning more about them often leads to a change in our perspective form our stereotypes and fears.  Learning about plot development, trees, or atoms usually causes us to see literature, forests, or the air we breathe from a different perspective.

 

The perspective we are opened to in Lent is God’s perspective, which is often a stark contrast to the world’s ways and expectations.  That is the perspective we re-dedicate ourselves to and train ourselves for in Lent, so that throughout the year, we may be God’s obedient children and Christ’s faithful followers.

 

God bless our eyes, ears, minds, and hearts with signs of holy ways.

Pastor

 

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PASSAGES

 

Text Box: + IN MEMORIAM +

May the light
and promise of the Resurrection
shine in the lives 
of the family and friends of


Norma Bigelow.



Rest eternal grant her Lord,
and let light perpetual shine upon her.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BAPTISMS

 

Brooks Elizabeth Kutchma – 11/26/11

Mylee Rae Lucille Powers – 12/17/11

Mila Ariana DeFinnis – 1/15/12

 

ADOPTION ANNOUNCEMENT

 

Isaiah Lucas Myers, born November 24th, 2009

Proud Mom and Dad:  Bruce and Cheryl Myers and big sister Gabrielle

 

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MISSIONARY VISIT

 

We are very honored and delighted to welcome back to St. Paul’s Kate Lawler and David Wunsch, our missionaries in Argentina, on Saturday, February 4th.  David and Kate will preach for our regular 5:30 pm Holy Communion worship.  Then we will gather for a covered dish supper at about 6:30.  Watch for the sign-up sheet in the Narthex.  Finally, from about 7 to 8 pm, we will hear their presentation on their work in Argentina and South America, and the ELCA Global Mission’s work around the world.  Kate and David are wonderfully gifted leaders in the church and you won’t want to miss their visit with us.

 

GOD SIGHTINGS

 

We hope you’ve been watching for God’s activity in your daily life, and shared your God Sighting with others.  If the repentance Jesus proclaimed (Mark 1:14-15) is all about changing our perspectives (and it is), then training ourselves to recognize a God Sighting when it happens before us is one of those perspective-changing repentances that is part of our faith.  Here’s a technique to use to train yourself:  concentrate on people relating to other people in ways that show a fruit of the Spirit.  Watch for moments of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness or self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).  Want a clever way to remember those?  Join the Sunday School children each Sunday morning for the Sunday School opening and learn the song they all know.

 

 

THE SEASON OF LENT

 

 

This month brings the church season of Lent – the forty days of reflection, prayer, fasting, giving, and discipline that marks our repentant return to our Lord as obedient and faithful followers.  Our midweek gatherings will be Wednesday evenings, beginning with a light supper at 6:30 pm, followed by a study from 7:00 to 7:40, and Evening Prayer to end the evening.  Our study this year will be a Spirit-guided look at God’s activity in the early church in Acts as a means to investigate God/s calling to us in our own mission and ministry.  In addition to our own Wednesday evening gatherings, we will again participate in the Soup and Scripture gatherings shared by the churches of the region to our west on Monday evenings.  The gatherings begin on February 27th at 6:00 pm with a soup supper prepared by the host church.  Following at 6:45 is an investigation of the gospel reading for the following Sunday led by the host pastor, ending by 8:00 pm.  The schedule is as follows:

 

Feb. 27            Fr. Richard Fox @ Our Lady of Mount Carmel at Lake Silkworth

Mar. 5             Pastor Bob Ryder @ Lehman-Idetown United Methodist Church

Mar. 12           Pastor Charles Grube @ St. Paul’s Lutheran Church

Mar. 19           Pastor Ken Brown @ Maple Grove United Methodist Church

Mar. 26           Rev. W. James Pall @ Huntsville United Methodist Church

 

 

We begin the season of Lent on Ash Wednesday, February 22.  The church will be open for your personal prayer and devotion and Pastor will be available for confession, pastoral conversation, and the imposition of ashes from 7:00 to 9:00 am.  Our regular Ash Wednesday Holy Communion liturgy with Imposition of Ashes will be that evening at 7:00 pm.

 

 

 

 

 

SYNOD YOUTH EXCHANGE

 

Congratulations to Adam O’Brien and his parents Dr. Frank and Holy O’Brien for being selected to participate in the Northeastern PA Synod’s exchange with our companion synod in Slovenia.  This summer 2012, youth from Slovenia will come to our synod to stay with the O’Briens and other families from our synod selected to host them.  Then in the summer of 2013, Adam will travel to Slovenia with the youth selected with him from our synod and stay in the homes of those youth who visited here.  Both will be cultural immersion experiences with some activities planned for the whole group and other times just living in one another’s homes.  We at St. Paul’s are certainly proud of Adam and all our youth who have been selected to travel to companion synod churches.  Adam’s selection to travel to Slovenia means that we have had members of St. Paul’s selected to travel to all four of our synod’s companion synods:  Slovenia, Saxony (Germany), Tanzania, and Argentina.  We look forward to welcoming the Slovenian youth the O’Briens host to our church community.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wherever you send me, Lord, I will accept.

My response may be clumsy, or even inept.

But I know you want only the best for me, too.

So with your help, I’ll do what you want me to do.

-- Peggy Ferrell

 

 

SYNOD NOTE

 

The Northeastern PA Synod, at its 2012 assembly, will be electing people to several positions of leadership in the synod and synod-related agencies.  Members of the Synod Council (like our Congregation Council for the synod), the Philadelphia Seminary Board of Directors, the synod’s Committee on Discipline and Consultation Committee, and voting members for the ELCA Churchwide Assembly in August 2013 in Pittsburgh will all be elected.  If you (or someone you know) would like to share your time and gifts in these larger-church ways, please contact the church office for the nomination form or more details about the terms or requirements.

 

 

 

DID YOU KNOW

 

…that the senior high youth and adult leaders who have committed to participate in the ELCA National Youth Gathering, “Citizens with the Saints”, in New Orleans this coming July have already begun their monthly “Getting Ready” gatherings.  In these gatherings, the group learns about the National Gathering, New Orleans and its culture, and most importantly, each other and themselves.  We train ourselves to be a community dedicated and committed to respect and care for each other and prepare ourselves practically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually to participate in the Gathering and in the Spirit’s movement among us.  Thirteen youth and five adults will be traveling this summer; watch for the poster they are preparing for you and keep them all in your prayers as they prepare for this life-changing event.

 

 

FOOD PANTRY UPDATE

 

At its most recent board meeting, the directors of the Back Mountain Food Pantry reported that there are currently 213 families from our Back Mountain community registered with the food pantry for regular support, and it will operate this coming year with projected expenses of about $50,000.  Many people of our churches and community support this important ministry to our community.  You are very generous with support for the Food Pantry with your gifts of food and cash offerings, and we thank you.

 

 

SERMONS AND BIBLE STUDY

 

Are there times during the weekly sermon when you wonder, “Where did that come from?”  One answer may be the regular Wednesday evening Bible Study Pastor Grube leads beginning at 7 pm.  It’s the one comment we have heard most from Bible Study participants:  that the study of the texts for the following Sunday on Wednesday evening makes the worship experience that weekend so much more meaningful.  Give it a try.  Each study is self-contained, so you can attend when you can and miss when you have to.

 

 

 

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This number appears many times in Scripture, often indicating a time of trial or testing, or simply marking something significant.  It rained 40 days and nights during the Great Flood.  Israel wandered in the wilderness for 40 years.  Jesus fasted for 40 days and was with the disciples for 40 days between his resurrection and ascension.  Taking this symbolic number to heart, the Christian church has long observed 40 days of Lent (not counting Sundays).

 

 

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PRETZEL SALE

 

Chocolate covered pretzels to benefit the ELCA Youth Gathering Trip are now on sale.  Place your order in the Narthex or call the church office (675-3859) by Wednesday, February 1st.  Pretzels will be ready for pickup at the church on Saturday, Feb. 4th, 5:00-6:00 pm; and Sunday, Feb. 5th, 9:30 am-12:00 noon.

 

 

 

MARDI GRAS / FASTNACHT

 

Tuesday, February 21st at 6:00 pm we will have a covered dish dinner followed by a Talent Show.  The group that is traveling to the ELCA Youth Gathering will organize this celebration for the congregation. Please watch the bulletin and Narthex for more details; if questions, please contact Marjorie Marquart.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We had a great turnout at the Salvation Army on December 10th.  Captain Patty was excited to see our group come and organize the Christmas bags for families in need.  She has already signed us up for the second week in December 2012!  A perfect finish to the day was to play games and watch a movie at Mrs. Marquart’s house.  Thank you, Mrs. Marquart!

 

The Ice Skating outing on December 30th at the Coal Street rink was lots of fun.  “Thank you!”, Mrs. Stearns, for the discounted admission tickets.  I think we all learned that “Tag, you’re It, Mrs. Michael” is a good way to end the game.  Maybe next time my speed will pick up.

 

Saturday, February 4th we will meet at the church from 10 am-3 pm to make the chocolate covered pretzels.  Surprisingly, this is a fun/social event for our group.  We just need to remember only pretzels – not our hands – in the chocolate!

 

Sunday, February 12 we will be helping the Dorcas Society serve at the Valentine’s Breakfast.  The St. Paul’s Winterfest will be later that day, from 3-6 pm.  We are hoping for snow – and sleigh riding!  There will definitely be games, hot chocolate, and pizza.  Share this event with your friends!

 

Reminder:  Senior Youth “Lock-In” is scheduled for Friday, March 16th – Saturday, March 17th.  Youth Sunday will be Sunday, March 18th.

 

Peace to all,

Kathy Michael & Julie Miller

 

 

 

VALENTINE PROJECT

 

We are collecting donations for families whose children attend Head Start classes in our building.

 

Please see the Sunday School Bulletin Board.

 

The items needed are listed on the smaller hearts.  Please take a heart and return the item with the heart attached.  Items do not need to be wrapped; several members do wrap their donations.

 

Please return your donation to the church office or the Sunday School office by Sunday, Feb. 12th.

 

We will celebrate this “God Sighting” project with our annual Valentine Breakfast on Sunday, February 12th at 9:45 pm.  The meal is prepared by the Dorcas Society.  The food is donated by the Brotherhood.

 

Thank you for continuing to support our outreach!

If you have any questions, please contact Marjorie Marquart.

 

 

 

SOUPER BOWL OF CARING

 

St. Paul’s is registered with the national Souper Bowl of Caring organization and we will participate in this annual event on Sunday, February 5.  The soup pots will be manned by members of St. Paul’s Youth Group and all you need to do is vote for your favorite football team (New England Patriots or New York Giants) by placing your donation in the corresponding soup pot.  Donations will be counted following each service that weekend and Pastor Grube will announce the team totals.  Monies donated will be shared with food banks along with any canned goods placed in the shopping basket.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


      Patriots                            Giants

 

 

 

 

AM. CANCER SOCIETY DAFFODIL SALE

 

   Celebrating Daffodil Days is about much more than sharing beautiful flowers; it’s about dedicated people like you sharing hope for a world free of cancer.  Thanks to your generous support of the American Cancer Society Daffodil Days program, the Society is helping people face cancer every day in every community.  Dollars raised through Daffodil Days enable the Society to offer free programs and services that help people fight cancer with courage and optimism, including:

·       Transportation assistance to and from treatment.

·       Lodging for those having to travel long distances for treatment.

·       Online educational classes for people with cancer and their loved ones.

·       Free and confidential assistance in helping locate cancer clinics.

·       Physical and emotional assistance to ease the cancer experience.

 

   Cost is $10.00 a bunch; checks should be made payable to St. Paul’s, marked “Daffodils” and dropped in the offering plate.  There is an order form on the table in the Narthex; deadline to place your order is Sunday, February 19th.  Pick up date will be during the week of March 19-25; watch for further details in the bulletin.

 

 

Description: http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSw6uaRm8d4B9cqp6T-JSeQAH_lo1vL1WGUOMLSkEOMBhwplbTcLENTEN PENNY WAR

 

The Lenten Penny War begins February 22nd! 

We hope you have been saving your pennies! 

St. Paul’s will be participating in the annual PENNY WARS FOR THE POOR, which begins on Ash Wednesday.  Penny Wars is a charitable challenge among congregations of all faiths to help families with children living in poverty throughout Luzerne County.  Everyone is encouraged to collect pennies during the 40 days and 40 nights of Lent.  A penny jar will be in place starting February 22 on the table in the hallway between the Narthex and Social Hall.  Please help with this worthy cause by saving and bringing in your pennies throughout the Lenten season. Description: http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSw6uaRm8d4B9cqp6T-JSeQAH_lo1vL1WGUOMLSkEOMBhwplbTc

 

 

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CHORAL ARTS AUDITIONS

 

Choral Arts of Luzerne County will be holding rehearsals/auditions for the Spring 2012 season beginning Tuesday, January 24th at Church of Christ Uniting, Kingston.  Rehearsals will be held each Tuesday evening from 7-9:30 pm.  There are openings for new sopranos, altos, tenors, and basses.  New members are encouraged to come to an open rehearsal on February 7th and audition the following week.  Music includes 20th century masterpieces by Zoltan Kodaly and Benjamin Britten.  The concerts will be held in Wilkes-Barre on April 28th and in Hazelton on April 29th.  Visit our website, www.choralartslc.org or our Facebook page at Choral Arts of Luzerne County, for further information.

 

Description: http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTYlLs6GVEW0b4S38vhbg2SIHZzR23599dw_Fg-YPrjoIi1J48b

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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OUR CHURCH OFFICE

 

Please feel free to stop in to the office and introduce yourself to Abby, our new Administrative Assistant.  When you sign the blue Friendship Pad during a service, this also helps her get to know you, and to better serve this fellowship.

 

 

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VITAMINS FOR CHILDREN

 

Ethiopian Day Care is in need of donations of children’s vitamins, either chewable or infant drops, new and not expired.  So far, the Day Care helps over 60 children each day.  A basket has been placed in the hallway for your donations.  Please contact Lois or Joe Hardisky for further information (675-1006).

 

Description: http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQgi8cjnHK5rtERr8xnzhPY_WHLayz3CWcMN7R_v_he5NQ4Oaln

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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From Campus Ministries, January 9th:

Dear Carol,

 

Please extend to the cookie bakers at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church our grateful thank you for their participation in the annual Exam Week Cookie Break at the Penn State Wilkes-Barre campus.  The cookies were awesome, they were completely devoured and the whole event was a total success!  And…we could not have done it without the help of special friends like you!

 

Sincerely,

Rev. Cheryl Cavalari

 

 

 

 

 

 

12/29/11

Dear Friends at St. Paul’s,

 

Please accept my heartfelt thanks to all who sent cards – prayers – gifts – visits – etc.  I’m sure they all helped to speed my recovery.  You are truly a Christian congregation doing the Word of the Lord.

 

Thanks again,

Ruth Voelker

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dear St. Paul’s Social Ministry:

 

Thank you very much for the cookies.

They were DE-LICIOUS.

 

Merry Christmas,

Ron Kross

 

 

 

Dec. 12, 2011

To the Social Ministry of St. Paul’s:

 

Thank you so much for the delicious cookies.

I will enjoy them all through the holiday season.

The people at St. Paul’s are wonderful.

Thanks again,

Herb Bonnice

 

 

 

 

 

 

To the Social Ministry of St. Paul’s:

 

Thank you so much for thinking about Hugh and me with these wonderful cookies.  He is much better thanks to all the prayers.  God bless you.

 

Nancy and Hugh (Lamberton)

 

 

 

 

 

 

To the Ladies of St. Paul’s Social Ministry:

Dear Ladies,

 

Thank you so much for the delicious cookies.  I shared them with my table-mates and they all agreed they were equally delicious.

Thanks again,

Shirley Templin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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