President’s Report October 2026

St. Paul’s Mission: “We reach our neighbors for the kingdom of God in Christ through visibility, availability , and service.”

As we move into the fall of this year, our small St. Paul’s congregation continues to work together to be of service in our community. Although we are few, our faith is strong and that faith keeps us moving forward, doing what we can to help our neighbors.

Below is information about our upcoming events and activities for this month. I invite you to join us and to pass along this information to your family, friends, and neighbors.

Pet Blessing, Saturday, October 3, 2026, 9 AM

Animals are footprints of God. – Martin Luther

God requires that we assist the animals when they need our help. Each being – human or creature – has the same right to protection. – St. Francis of Assisi

Bring your pet to a short ceremony celebrating their presence in our lives. Pastor Townsend will conduct the ceremony and bless each pet individually. All pets and people are welcome!

Oktoberfest, Friday, October 16, 2026, 6 – 10 PM

Although very few of us at St. Paul’s are of German extraction, much less descended from residents of Munich, Germany, we STILL celebrate this tradition in true Lutheran style! Join us for our annual fundraiser for an evening of great food and drink, raffle and silent auction, as well as fellowship. Our German menu will include beer cheese dip with pretzels; sausage with sauerkraut; pork medallions with sautéed apples; German red cabbage; German potato salad; Speckbohnen (green beans); dessert; and coffee and tea.   Soft drinks, beer and wine will also be available. Children under ten (10) are free.

This is the only fundraiser to benefit St. Paul’s. Support our church by buying tickets or donating.

Dia de Los Muertos Family Art, Saturday, October 24, 2026, 10 AM – Noon

This is a tradition that originated in Mexico and is celebrated around the world during All Saints Day on November 1^st and All Souls Day on November 2^nd. It is a time to remember and honor family and friends who have died. In the Mexican culture there is sugar skull decorating, skull mask painting and flower headband making. We will have plastic skulls that can be decorated with stickers, flowers, and acrylic paints, masks for younger children to color and decorate, and headbands that can be decorated with flowers and ribbons.  Come join us for a morning of creative fun. This is a free event. No donation is required.

Diaper Distribution Program, Saturday, October 24, 2026, 9-11 AM

With additional funding approved by the California legislature and Governor Newsome, the Sacramento Valley Food Bank is now providing additional diaper sizes AND baby wipes. Starting this month, we will have diapers in sizes 3 -7, and pull-ups for toddlers in sizes 2T – 5T. We are so happy for this increase.

Our diaper distribution program has continued to grow. We continue to serve our Tahoe Park and Sacramento community and are now getting parents and grandparents who drive from North Highlands, Elverta, Antelope, Elk Grove,  and Natomas. 

With the cost of food, utilities, and gas continually going up, more and more families are experiencing financial difficulties. All who come for the diapers express their thanks and tell us how much this service helps. Please continue to tell people about this program and let them know we do not ask for ID or have any criteria for this assistance. 

I want to express my gratitude for the dedication of our volunteers who provide this service, Chuck Prewett, Sarah Doherty, Erik Bjerke, Duane Goff, and Yolanda Mojarro. 

It's an exciting October at St. Paul's!