It’s that time of year again: Back to school!  And along with that we have many activities and events planned at Maple Leaf Lutheran Church.  On Sunday, September 9^th we have our annual “Backpack Blessing.”  During the 10:30 worship service we will be blessing the backpacks of our school aged children as they prepare to go back to school.  Make sure you have your child, grandchild, neighbors child, friends child, etc come and bring their backpack.  Encourage them to start off the school year right with a prayer and blessing.  On that same day, September 9^th, Sunday school kicks off for the year.  Kids meet at 9:30 and adults meet at 9:00.  There is something for everyone! ...

As part of my letter of call and compensation package I am encouraged to go on a three month sabbatical after six years of service as your pastor.  As you know, we (Maple Leaf Lutheran Church and I) were awarded a sabbatical grant back in 2009.  Initially it was to be completed by the end of December 2011 but with my pregnancy and birth of my daughter I ask for and was granted an extension.  Now we are required to use the grant before the end of December 2013.  That means that I am current in the process of planning my time away which will take place for three months in 2013....