GATHERED BY GOD is the Lutheran Woman Today Bible Study for 2012-2013. The theme verse for the study is “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among you” {Matthew 18:20}. On Saturday 9/22/12, a Bible Study preparation session will be held, 8:30 am-2:30 pm. The host church for the event is Gloria Dei Lutheran Church (700 Snelling Ave S, St Paul; 651-699-1378). Audrey West, PhD, is the author of the study, which leads us through 9 sessions of why Christians gather: to Learn, for Life, to be Empowered, for Rest, for Community, for Shelter, to Share a Story, to be Sent, and also where we as Christians gather. Rev. Dr Jules Erickson, Senior Pastor of All Saints Lutheran Church in Cottage Grove, is the presenter and Bible Study leader on 9/22/12. The $13 fee includes registration, speaker, and lunch; bring your Bible and a notebook. Child care is available. Registration forms are at the Welcome Center.
EAST CENTRAL CLUSTER FALL MEETING will be held Thursday 11/01/12 at St Paul Lutheran Church in Stillwater {609 – 5th St S, Stillwater 55082; 651-439-5970; www.stpaullc.org }. There is a $5 registration fee for the event, which includes a light dessert. Women of Hope members will serve as ushers for this session (pass out programs, collect the offering after the speaker finishes, count that money, and give it to one of the Cluster Leaders). Look for a sign-up sheet at the Welcome Center. A representative from Breaking Free will be the program speaker {www.breakingfree.net; 651-645-6557}. The mission of Breaking Free is to educate and provide services to women and girls who have been victims of abuse and commercial sexual exploitation (prostitution/sex trafficking) and need assistance escaping the violence in their lives. Breaking Free offers programs for women and youth (ages 14-18), for needs such as health services, housing, and spiritual discipleship; and works to influence social change and public policy. Breaking Free was among the groups that worked to make the Ramsey County District Community Court a reality (implemented in January 1999).