You will be happy to know that I have set, and Church Council has approved, the dates for my sabbatical.  I will be gone in the spring of 2013.  That means I’ll be here through the season of Lent and one Sunday after Easter Sunday.  As you know this sabbatical was made possible by the congregation generosity giving me the time away and a grant from the Lilly Endowment National Clergy Renewal Program giving us money to do it.  I know you probably have many questions about this sabbatical so I will try to answer some of them.... 

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! ...

One of our favorite things at Maple Leaf Lutheran Church is to pray in new and creative ways.  Here is a photo of prayers for "What are you and our world truly hungry for?" when we talked about Jesus being the bread of life and filling our heart and soul.

Here is a photo of our new baptismal font bowl that we had commissioned by a local glass artist.