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<p>All of us tend to complain. We complain about the long lines at the checkout counter. We complain if traffic is crawling. Our kids complain if they don't like what's for dinner. Our Heavenly Father is not happy with us when we complain. In the Book of Exodus, we read that the Israelites complained - a lot!! They started complaining about three days after their escape from Egypt. They had witnessed God perform some incredible miracles, including the Ten Plagues and the parting of the Red Sea, but still, they complained. They complained about a lack of water. They complained that they didn't have enough to eat, and God provided them manna. They ate the manna, but then they complained that they didn't have meat. Later, they complained openly and the Lord was angry. "Now the people complained about their hardships in the hearing of the Lord, and when he heard them his anger was aroused." (Numbers11:1)</p><p>&nbsp;The Lord doesn't like it when we complain. We should be thankful that there is abundant food in the supermarket. We should be thankful that we can afford to put food on our kids' plates. We should be thankful that we have a car to drive and that the road is paved. We should be thankful for the sunshine and for the water that falls from the sky to feed our crops. &nbsp;<br></p><p>"(L)et us be thankful and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.” (Heb 12:28) &nbsp;</p><p>In His Service,</p><p><br>Pastor Dale Skurla</p>

From The Pastor's Desk - The Complainers

<p><em>This is the first post in a new series in which we sat down with our staff members and asked them about their experiences at St. Paul, and what brought them here. As you read about our new Kindergarten teacher, Clover Jensen’s testimony as to why<br>she serves at SPLCS , you will see the blessing she has been to the SPLCS family.<br>– Pam Robinson, Principal</em></p><h2><strong>Spotlight: Clover Jensen</strong></h2><figure id="figure-fxeh3esapomhcaeyds" class=""><img id="fxeh3esapomhcaeyds" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/crYii7qF9MkXuNXohRzxslu7CRWGED1BLGPpSggOYzrpK8VqGYJ1hqVTZy0dhpds.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 50% 50%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="50%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/crYii7qF9MkXuNXohRzxslu7CRWGED1BLGPpSggOYzrpK8VqGYJ1hqVTZy0dhpds.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 50% 50%;"></figure><p>Teaching at St. Paul Lutheran School is more than a professional calling—it's a<br>personal mission rooted in faith, purpose, and love for children. I chose to become a<br>kindergarten teacher here because I believe that the foundation of both academic and spiritual growth begins at an early age. In these formative years, children are not only learning letters and numbers but also discovering who they are as beloved children of God.</p><h3>Personal Perspective</h3><p>I have always felt a deep joy nuturing young hearts and minds. THere is something profoundly special avout witnessing the wonder, curiosity, and growth that takes place in a kindergarten classroom. I wanted to be a part of that journey-- helping children feel safe, seen, and celebrated for who they are. St. Paul Lutheran School provides an enviroment where I can teach with both structure and creativity, while also building meaningful relatipnships with families and student.&nbsp;</p><h3>Ministry Perspective</h3><p><br>From a ministry standpoint, I view my role as a teacher as a calling to serve and to sow seeds of faith. In a world that can feel uncertain and divided, I am honored to be part of a school where Christ is the center of everything we do. I came to St. Paul Lutheran School because it allows me to not only teach children about reading and math, but to also guide them in the love of Jesus. Each morning meeting, each moment of kindness, and each story shared in our classroom is an opportunity to reflect God's grace.</p><p><br>Being here is not just about what I give—it's also about what I receive. I am continually inspired by the Christ-centered community at St. Paul Lutheran, and I am grateful to be surrounded by staff, families, and students who are committed to growing together in faith.</p>

Principally Speaking - Celebrating the Gift to Serve

<h2>Introduction to Martin Luther's Impact</h2><p>In the annals of history, few figures have had as profound an impact as Martin Luther. His actions sparked the Protestant Reformation, a movement that dramatically reshaped the religious, cultural, and political landscape of Europe. Born in 1483 in Eisleben, Germany, Luther was a monk, theologian, and a seminal figure in Western Christianity. By challenging the practices of the Catholic Church, he set in motion a wave of changes that would forever alter the course of history.</p><figure id="figure-ie6o2l3c1cmgidzt4o"><img id="ie6o2l3c1cmgidzt4o" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/2bqskigIYoYcVV9Ggay672COv5CohdCJRafArVC9zW8jCHcjz9njzwzcZwlNfwko.jpeg" alt="martin luther" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/2bqskigIYoYcVV9Ggay672COv5CohdCJRafArVC9zW8jCHcjz9njzwzcZwlNfwko.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h3>The Early Life of Martin Luther</h3><p>Martin Luther's journey began in humble surroundings. Despite his initial path toward a career in law, he chose to join a monastery after a life-changing experience during a thunderstorm. This decision led him to delve deeply into religious studies, where he became increasingly concerned with the practices of the Catholic Church. His acute insights into theology and the church's role in society laid the groundwork for his later actions.</p><p>Luther's dissatisfaction grew as he observed the church's indulgence-selling practices, which promised salvation in exchange for monetary contributions. This practice, he believed, contradicted the very essence of Christian teachings and salvation through faith alone. Luther's conviction that faith should be at the heart of Christianity would become the cornerstone of his reformative efforts.</p><figure id="figure-eu7uvi5v6amgidzwjd"><img id="eu7uvi5v6amgidzwjd" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/2bqskigIYoYcVV9Ggay672COv5CohdCJRafArVC9zW8jCHcjz9njzwzcZwlNfwko.jpeg" alt="protestant reformation" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/2bqskigIYoYcVV9Ggay672COv5CohdCJRafArVC9zW8jCHcjz9njzwzcZwlNfwko.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h3>The 95 Theses: A Catalyst for Change</h3><p>On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther famously nailed his <strong>95 Theses</strong> to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg. This bold act was intended to spark debate and discussion about the church’s practices. The theses criticized the church's sale of indulgences and called for a return to biblical teachings. This document quickly spread across Europe, thanks to the advent of the printing press, igniting widespread support for reform.</p><p>Luther's theses questioned the very foundation of the Catholic Church's authority and sparked discussions that resonated far beyond Germany. As his ideas gained traction, they inspired countless others to question established doctrines and seek religious reforms.</p><figure id="figure-ha9tiuyt37mgie02dz"><img id="ha9tiuyt37mgie02dz" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/377XKv8FQXLiL4GljpxSd2TvEYH4Iw1yNyiBCvsVkHUMWSOhFVLIW4DeJEfU1Hcp.jpeg" alt="german castle door" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/377XKv8FQXLiL4GljpxSd2TvEYH4Iw1yNyiBCvsVkHUMWSOhFVLIW4DeJEfU1Hcp.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h3>The Legacy of Reformation</h3><p>The Protestant Reformation initiated by Martin Luther brought about significant religious transformations, paving the way for new Christian denominations that emphasized personal faith and direct access to sacred texts. His work led to the translation of the Bible into vernacular languages, making it accessible to ordinary people and empowering them with knowledge previously reserved for clergy.</p><p>Beyond its religious implications, Luther's reformation had profound social and political ramifications. It challenged existing power structures and encouraged educational reforms, fostering a spirit of inquiry and critical thinking that contributed to the development of modern Western society.</p><figure id="figure-6kpdkuqr7mgie0785"><img id="6kpdkuqr7mgie0785" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/1tRkGMa0KlXkik9K0baC1CeHc4WhwRvfRyIrGB4FKcOMpH6QYjs05gYi7LJTcOl6.jpeg" alt="bible translation" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/1tRkGMa0KlXkik9K0baC1CeHc4WhwRvfRyIrGB4FKcOMpH6QYjs05gYi7LJTcOl6.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h3>Honoring Martin Luther Today</h3><p>Today, we celebrate Martin Luther and the beginning of the Reformation every October 31st. His courage to stand for what is&nbsp; is right allowed God to use him to spark change across the entire world. Martin Luther once said, "Everything that is done in this world is done by hope." That matches with Hebrews 11:1, which says, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."&nbsp;</p><p>In honoring Luther, we are reminded to be strong in our faith, regardless of the obstacles we might face. Through faith alone we can lay hold on salvation from eternal punishment for our sins, and with thanksgiving we can honor God's gift to us through service to him.&nbsp;</p><figure id="figure-wsw8jzi0lmgie0boq"><img id="wsw8jzi0lmgie0boq" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/7fObsZsG9LWLvuSPaxUTdDpPmrRmmFvNsxhGiwCvdkzG15mOEntUv4OJdE7pz84R.jpeg" alt="martin luther statue" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/7fObsZsG9LWLvuSPaxUTdDpPmrRmmFvNsxhGiwCvdkzG15mOEntUv4OJdE7pz84R.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h2>Conclusion</h2><p>Martin Luther's legacy is one of faith, courage, and reform.&nbsp; As we remember Martin Luther, we are reminded of our capacity to enact change and the enduring power of conviction. It only takes one little spark to turn into a flame that lights up a dark world, and as Martin Luther showed us, that spark is simply taking God at His word.</p>

Honoring Martin Luther: A Legacy of Faith and Reformation

<blockquote><p>The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.</p></blockquote><p><em>Isaiah 40:8-7&nbsp;</em></p><p><br>Grace to you and peace from God our Father, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.</p><p><br>The fall or Autumn season is upon us. What a beautiful time of the year. The leaves are changing colors. The result of God’s paintbrush is truly visible. Cooler weather and fall sports dominate society. Football, basketball, baseball and hockey are played simultaneously. People also get ready for winter as we turn our clocks back to standard time. The Northern hemisphere prepares for its seasonal rest.</p><p><br>Fall should also be a time of reflection for us as our four seasons remind us of life in general and the frailty of life. Spring brings new life (birth). Summer is life lived. Fall is life changing. Winter is life winding down in preparation for God's new gift of eternal life in heaven. That should bring us to pause, to consider what we have done in this life.</p><p><br>Have we fully trusted God, or have we only relied on our abilities by forgetting the source of our gifts - God Himself? Have we placed God first or just tossed Him the leftovers? Because we are reading (writing) this we know we are alive. Therefore, we have hope since it is just the Autumn of our lives. Winter is not yet upon us either for the season or our lives. God guides us to make God-pleasing changes in our lives. He promises to continue to guide us through the winter while looking forward to His gift of Spiritual growth, life-changing events, and complete trust in Him</p><p><br>In His Service,<br>Pastor Dale Skurla</p>

From The Pastor's Desk - Fall, Autumn, Life

<p>In 1834 on a glorious morning, in Helborn, London, the writer Edward Mote wrote the words, “On Christ the Solid Rock, I Stand; All other ground is sinking sand.” This has become the very popular hymn, “My Hope I Built on Nothing Less.” This Christian hymn emphasizes the idea of building a house on rock rather than sand.</p><p><br>The word solid derives from the Greek word stereos, which means "firm" or hard. The song goes on to say, all other ground is sinking sand. These are words of hope and endurance, that one yearns for especially when going through trials and tribulations.<br>In order to withstand the turmoil, we must build our life upon a solid foundation.<br></p><p>Matthew 7: 24-27 provides us with Jesus' teachings on the necessity for a solid foundation. He informs us that if our life is not built on a solid foundation, we will not be capable of surviving the storms of life. Jesus is the master architect who lays the design for us to follow. Therefore, it is necessary that one establishes a personal relationship with Him. We must apply the truth of God’s word to our lives, Godly principals, trust in the Lord and worship Him continuously. Always keep in mind that God is able to speak peace to our souls!</p><p><br>Blessings,<br>Pamela Robinson<br><em>Principal</em></p>

Principally Speaking - A Solid Foundation

Educational supplies and religious objects on table with classroom background

<h2>Building a Strong Foundation</h2><p>At St. Paul Lutheran School, the integration of faith and education serves as the cornerstone of our mission. We believe that a well-rounded education goes beyond academics, encompassing spiritual growth and character development. This holistic approach ensures that students are not only prepared for the challenges of the future but are also grounded in strong moral values.</p><figure id="figure-7j7d4v4ld6mgidpcuw"><img id="7j7d4v4ld6mgidpcuw" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2198756433/photo/close-up-of-a-man-praying-on-bible-at-the-window-christian-background-devotional-concept.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=eaI0HUmSp-PjJ0pLqkqRZJ4wRgbfcbp15zwFQfTbxXs=" alt="Close up of a man praying on bible at the window, christian background, devotional concept." title="Close up of a man praying on bible at the window, christian background, devotional concept." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2198756433/photo/close-up-of-a-man-praying-on-bible-at-the-window-christian-background-devotional-concept.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=eaI0HUmSp-PjJ0pLqkqRZJ4wRgbfcbp15zwFQfTbxXs=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Faith-Centered Learning Environment</h3><p>Our school is dedicated to creating a faith-centered learning environment where students can explore and deepen their relationship with God. Daily prayer, weekly chapel services, and religious studies are integral parts of the curriculum. These activities provide students with opportunities to reflect on their beliefs and understand the importance of living a life guided by faith.</p><p>St. Paul Lutheran School encourages students to apply their faith in everyday situations, fostering a sense of purpose and direction. This foundation of faith supports them in developing empathy, compassion, and integrity, which are essential qualities in today's world.</p><h3>Academic Excellence</h3><p>While faith is at the heart of our mission, St. Paul Lutheran School is equally committed to academic excellence. Our rigorous curriculum is designed to challenge students and inspire a love for learning. From core subjects like mathematics and science to the arts and humanities, our diverse offerings cater to the varied interests and talents of our students.</p><figure id="figure-236fvmh5kumgidpi12"><img id="236fvmh5kumgidpi12" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1H5iDKJ2eCgXcwniTZ8vG6uOVD5MCYKrUCJj1Q9xsgeXfywZ7YBjnUI4ZadTgST0.jpg" alt="school classroom" title="school classroom" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 35%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="35%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1H5iDKJ2eCgXcwniTZ8vG6uOVD5MCYKrUCJj1Q9xsgeXfywZ7YBjnUI4ZadTgST0.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 35%;"></figure><p>Our dedicated faculty works tirelessly to create engaging and interactive learning experiences. Small class sizes allow for personalized attention, ensuring that each student receives the support they need to succeed. This commitment to academic excellence prepares students for future educational endeavors and instills a lifelong thirst for knowledge.</p><h3>Character Development</h3><p>Character development is another key component of education at St. Paul Lutheran School. We believe that nurturing strong moral character is as important as academic achievements. Our programs focus on teaching respect, responsibility, and leadership, encouraging students to become positive contributors to society.</p><p>Through various activities and community service projects, students learn the value of giving back and making a difference in the world. These experiences not only build character but also provide practical applications of the values taught within the classroom.</p><figure id="figure-v9b1shls6cmgidpnyc"><img id="v9b1shls6cmgidpnyc" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2G2TIQUJSrY4GZGjf0JqGNofyEbGwumZKf0HBlSVyeRAfVqY3uRiGtHru3LxwA5F.jpg" alt="students volunteering" title="students volunteering" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 35%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="50%" data-positionY="35%" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure><h3>Community and Family Involvement</h3><p>At St. Paul Lutheran School, we recognize the importance of community and family involvement in a child's education. We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where families are encouraged to participate in school activities and events. This partnership between home and school strengthens the support network for our students, enhancing their educational experience.</p><p>Parents and guardians are often seen volunteering in classrooms, assisting with school events, and supporting extracurricular activities. This collaborative spirit fosters a sense of belonging and community that extends beyond the school walls.</p><h2>The Path Forward</h2><p>As we look to the future, St. Paul Lutheran School remains steadfast in its commitment to providing an education that balances faith and academics. By nurturing the whole child, we aim to prepare our students not only to excel academically but also to lead lives that reflect their values and beliefs.</p><p>We invite you to visit St. Paul Lutheran School and experience firsthand the vibrant community and exceptional education that we offer. Together, we can build a strong foundation for your child's future, rooted in faith and enriched by learning.</p>