Photo Gallery

Thank you so much to everyone who donated to our Giving Tree this year! Because of your generosity, we are able to give CROSS Center in Foley over a thousand dollars in gift cards/cash, plus all of the much-needed items pictured below. Thank you all for blessing our community this holiday season!

Joy Has Dawned! Kid's Christmas Program and Choir Cantata

This year's mission quilts and tie blankets were blessed this past Sunday. The quilts, 32 in total, will be donated to the St. Cloud VA Hospital this week.

Special thanks to all of our mission quilters for your amazing work this year! And thank you to our Senior High group for tying up so many blankets!

The display on the wall in the entry of SSLC has plenty of room for couples who are given 50 years of marriage by God. We recognize that marriage is a challenge in America today - and understand this to simply be a way of saying "Thank You, God" in a little different way for His love that does not end.

Congratulations, SSLC High School Graduates

On May 19, 2019 at the 10 a.m. Worship, the SSLC Sewing Group presented Graduation Quilts to our beloved young men and women who are very close to graduating from High School. This year's graduates include Katelyn Alickson, Amanda Bergsten, Alexandra Garding, Ryan Gilmore. Brandon Gustafson
Joseph James, Michael James, Kaitlyn Janisch, Gabby Klinkenborg, Abby Miner, Morgan Puhl, Gabe Reisem, Basil Ricker, Sam Ricker, Sydney Stommes and Hailey Uecker.

Our Quilters are Nancy Alickson, Alberta Brown, Sandy Empting, Marvel Paulson, Marilyn Humble, Joy Hurd, Tammy Miller-Hess, Jeanette Harshman, Nita Lerdahl, Ella Arneson, Angela Spinler, Sammie Mekeland and Shelly Bluhm.

Confirmation Sunday!

A Special Thank You to Small Group Leader Karla Zerwas!

A Special Thank You to Small Group Leader David Darsow!

EASTER SUNDAY BREAKFAST

Palm Sunday at SSLC!

If you see a middle-aged man riding a FarmAll and pulling a wagon with a cross on it in the greater Becker arena today, slow down and wave. It’s SSLC’s own Danny J., who five years on Good Friday began sharing a simple message to everyone on the road: Jesus died for you! God please shine through Danny today and extend travel mercies along his path.

This is the reason why we have the children taste the wine we use in communion before their actual First Communion Sunday. Most likely, most of them will be choosing the grape juice as a perfectly good option.

Bryce, Trevor claimed by God as Sons in Holy Baptism

God Bless the Handshoe Boys, who were baptized into Jesus' life, death and resurrection at the 10 a.m. worship service on Sunday.

And while it really just looks like water and words - the bottom line is that God was calling Trevor and Bryce His own children. The Work of Jesus Christ secures this bond, a bond that transcends our human failings by the promises made by God.

It's a pretty big deal. The Angels and the Saints are smiling - as are the friends at South Santiago Lutheran Church.

The Birthday Boys & Girls from March 31st.
Happy Birthday and God Bless you!

Ninth Grade Students prepare Faith Statements in preparation for confirmation

Arriving at church at 6 a.m. on a Saturday morning is probably not what SSLC Ninth Graders wanted to do this past week, but they showed up bright eyed and bushy tailed to develop, write and record their individual faith statements. This is an important part of the weeks leading up to Confirmation Sunday. when these young men and women will be ask to affirm the promises made at their baptism.

It helps when they have an idea what they are affirming - and to publicly proclaim their faith is next level amazing. The Holy spirit was certainly busy, as these students dug deep into their understanding of God and how God interacts and works in their lives and within the world. The videos will be shown as part of confirmation Sunday on April 28.

We celebrated with Steve and Shelly Gilmore at they mark 22 years of marriage. A special blessing - offering both gratitude for God's work in and between and through them over these years, as well as asking for continued support into the coming years - was shared. God bless you two!

God Bless Aurelia & Van Emerson at their Baptisms!

At Left: Josh and Casey Lawson presented their little girl, Aurelia, for Baptism on Sunday, March 24 at SSLC at the 10 a.m. Worship Service and what a wonderful moment it was as God claimed her as his own - and solicited promises from the parents, sponsors and congregation to support Aurelia in growing faith as she grows up. May God bless her in faithful service and love as this happens.

Top left photo: Scott Bursch of the SSLC Executive Council presents the baptismal candle to the family. Below, Pastor Thul checks in with Josh, Angela and Aurelia after the worship service.

Above: Matthew and Angela Harberts, a military couple whose wedding several years ago Pastor (Chaplain) Thul officiated, presented their child for Holy Baptism on Sunday: Van Emerson Harberts was claimed by God as one of his own in front of friends and family. May God continue to bless the Harberts - and Van specifically - with his love and care as they grow in love to one another and in continued service to the country and world.

My, there are quite a number of March birthdays. Who knew?

Happy Birthday, Friends!

SSLC Council installed

Newly elected and serving members of the SSLC Church Council were celebrated and installed as the 2019 Governing Body of our congregation at services held this past Sunday. Lyn Peterson, Mark Swanson, Isabelle Swanson and Melanie Mielke (above), as well as Burton Robb, Bill Rogers, David Darsow and Jeanette Harshman (Scott Bursch was unavailable) asked God to direct them in this important work.

God Bless Hadlee at her baptism!

Happy Birthday,
Friends!

Sermon: Discernment means using the right tool for the right job at the right time. Using a hammer for everything only works if all you do is pound nails.

God Bless Ryker at his baptism!

Nida and Brinley had a great time Saturday night celebrating - as did the Koenigs (photo at right). We were celebrating the marriage of Mark and Jen Lerdahl. It really was a wonderful time.

God bless you on your life together!

The kids' table. Very much fun.

Happy Birthday Kristina!

Pastor Angela gave birth to a healthy baby boy last Thursday morning and we are overjoyed to announce the arrival of Joshua James. He was 8 pounds, 8 ounces and good 21 inches long.

Pastor Angela will be on maternity leave for the next couple of months - so we wish her and Joshua and the whole family well as they get used to this new world called parenting. And we look forward to your return to leading us here at South Santiago Lutheran Church. We love you people!

In the Beatitudes (Blessed are the ...) Part of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus explained to the people then and now that the Kingdom of God puts what we consider powerful/important/strong on its head. So with that, Pastor Angela LaMoore completed an exercise with the kids during Sunday's Children Sermon. No one was hurt in the making of the lesson, although the adult demonstrator at the first service did feel a little dizzy getting up again.

This might be the most awesome confirmation group video rendition of Jesus' 'Blessed Ares' in 2019 - and that is saying a lot because it is still January. We played the video at worship this past Sunday. Crazy good.

Never too cold to celebrate Birthdays!

SSLC Congregation begins new year by electing officers, approving budget

Pastor Daryl Thul

Annual meeting are hit-or-miss.

My hope is that the mission of Jesus Christ into the World is put first in everything we are doing as a congregation. And that the meetings are short.

I'm not much of a meeting guy. I am. however, excited to report that the SSLC 2019 Annual Meeting this past Sunday was well attended and several administrative actions were taken that will push us into active and engaged ministry through the fiscal year.

If you were unable to attend, feel free to grab a paper copy of the information packet in the entry area to read the narrative budget and opportunities coming our way in 2019.

2018 was a transition year, as I arrived in January and Pastor Angela LaMoore joined us in August and it looks like we will be negotiating more changing in the future, as well. Board Treasurer Mark Swanson told the congregation that this past year saw a lot of very positive things happening throughout the ministry areas, and that our call as a congregation is to walk along the path set before us by God.

Jeff Mateyka was elected to a 3-year council term at the annual meeting between worship services on Sunday. Jeanette Harshman was elected to a one-year council seat to complete the final year of a boardmember's term who had resigned this past summer. David Darsow was elected to his first complete term and Bert Robb was re-elected to his second stint on the board. Bill Rogers will continue as SSLC President for 2019.

God Bless Corbin Shuster!
Baptized in the Name of the Father, Son & The Holy Spirit

Kingdom Kids and Breakfast Club begin at 9:10 a.m. every Sunday here at SSLC. God grows our faith here!

Who knew early January was such a popular time to be born?

Obviously, these people did.
God Bless You, Friends!

Worship on the last Sunday of 2018 included celebrating a couple of birthdays! May God Bless you as you head into a new year in this new year, friends!

Christmas at the Lange's: Celebrating Jesus and Friends

2018 Christmas Pageant

Kingdom Kids roll into December with cookies - and a plan

Going Old School: Lefse

Congratulations and God Bless SSLC's very own Shane Mekeland as he begins taking on his role as the MN State Representative for District 15B.

The Sharing Tree is up in the entryway of the church, courtesy of several high school students and assorted adults. Please consider grabbing a tag or two and doing a little Christmas Shopping to help someone who will benefit from the love and support!

Prayer Station debuts on All Saint's Sunday

October 28 Children's Sermon: Solomon's Wisdom

No children were cut in two as Pastor Thul and Dave W. (as well as the 10th Graders at the 10 a.m. Service) acted out the penultimate scene depicted in 1 Kings (Solomon is a real wise guy).

Celebrating Birthdays in early November!\

We celebrate with the Niday and Denney Family as Olivia and Jeff became husband and wife Saturday here at SSLC - May God bless them with adventure and great stories to share as they walk together through this world.

God Bless McKenzie! She is claimed as His own!

Joshua: As for me and my house!

God Bless the Alicksons, who have been married 53 years this week!

Oliver: Child of God!

Charlie: Child of God!

Food Drive Team Challenge Met

The SSLC Fall Food Drive Challenge came to an end on Sunday morning, Sept. 30, 2018 after the second service. More than a dozen teams of all ages collected items for the Becker and Foley Area Food Shelves. There was a lot of food, personal hygiene items and paper products collected and forwarded to the organizations who will be best able to share it with those in need.

The top three teams were:
1. The 6/7 Grade Boys, also known as the Uni-Donkeys.
2. The SSLC Church Council
3. The 10th Grade Boys, also known as the Velociraptors.

The Uni-Donkeys will be celebrating their victory with a pizza party sometimes within the next month, courtesy of Pastors Thul and LaMoore. The second round of individual door prizes go to Aaron Miner, Mitchell Louden, Carol Michaletz, Nila Lerdahl, Allison Roisland, Cade Stommes, Wendy Reisem and Sammy Mekeland. Feel free to pick up your prize from the church office when you have time, or this Sunday - whichever comes first.

Casting our care at the foot of the cross, remembering our baptism - and the promise God made at that time.

God keeps his promises!

Mid-September Birthdays Celebrated!

Kingdom Kids off to strong start

Preschooler participate in an activity during the 9 a.m. Sunday School Hour at SSLC. There is space for you and your children to come grow with us in faith! Just show up on Sunday morning and tell a pastor or an usher or even a person sitting at a table drinking coffee, "Hey. let's learn more about Jesus!"

Kasen Harren: Child of God

We celebrated with the Harren Family as Kasen was baptized this past Sunday at SSLC during the 8 a.m. Worship Service. God Bless You!

Confirmation Students Receive new Bibles and a Blessing!

Kindergartners and 4/5 Graders received awesome Bibles!

Birthdays are special - of course.

Chelsey, Child of God, came to visit about 10 days after making her grand entrance into the world!

Dennis & Lucille share a preview of Sunday's Text

The picture at top include Breakfast Club and Kingdom Kids Teachers Karla Zerwas, Stacy Baldry, Rochelle Ament, Amity Felton and Kris Mateyka.

Middle picture includes Confirmation Small Group Leaders David Darsow, Pastor Thul, Paulii Temple, Angela Spinler, Janelle Uecker, Karla Zerwas, Kim Kampa and Wendy Reisem.

Bottom photo includes high school students and Kingdom Kids teachers Kaitlyn, Hanna, Madi, Olivia and Hailey.

Pastor Angela Ordained into Ministry of Word and Sacrament!

Last Saturday night, Pastor Angela was ordained in the ministry of Word and Sacrament. What does that mean? You can think of ordination as the last step to becoming a full-fledged pastor. The ordination service is a public affirmation of the pastor's call to ministry. It is filled with prayer, with promises made on many sides, and with the commissioning of the new pastor into ministry.

The service Saturday was joyful and Spirit-filled, with many members of SSLC in attendance, as well as some of Angela's friends, family, and mentors. SWMN Synod Bishop Jon Anderson presided over the ordination. Pastor Angela is now officially ready to serve in whatever way SSLC needs!

God is at work in Central Minnesota - and we are invited to be a part of it!

Ladies Bible Study, Ice Cream & Coffee

Pastor Angela shares a moment with Hollie and Randall Holt-Woehl, who are celebrated 28 years of marriage this week. Pastor Daryl takes a moment to congratulate Roger and Marilyn Humble as they mark 64 years together. SSLC celebrates what God has done, is doing and will do for couples and families. We continue to praise God for his unfailing love and understand God's Spirit to be the power behind our success with all things - including marriage. God bless these couples!

A few more VBS photos for you!

The end of VBS includes the participants sharing their favorite songs from the week, to include the actions that go along with them, The group leaders and assistants have a tradition of standing on the very back pew and doing the same actions as a helpful guide for the kids up front.

Stella's eyes light up the room when she is talking about her favorite Bible stories.

This week's Birthday Boys and Girls!

Gabby and Paul and a little five-year-old with auburn hair (if you or your parents read this, remind Pastor Thul at worship and he will ensure a better picture of the birthday girl is taken!) receive Birthday Bags right before the congregation sand 'Happy Birthday' to them at the end of worship last Sunday. We also celebrated wedding anniversaries with Racqel and Lance (23 years) and Brad and Ruth (34 years). This is so cool. As is Pastor Angela. She did the Hokey Pokey for Jesus.

New Carpet.
Old Pastor.

Bentley James, Child of God

VBS: Shipwrecked - but Jesus Saves!

VBS Day II: Shipwrecked - but Jesus Saves!

Kaitlyn turns 12 this week! Happy Birthday, Child of God!

Somebody has some jumping skills!

Sing Praise to God!

Happy birthday this week to Kathy, Ethan and Roberta!

We celebrated what God has done, is doing, and will do with marriage - marking the anniversaries of four couples at worship last sunday. We salute and thank God for these Families.

We celebrated the 45th Wedding Anniversary of Ron and Susan Peterson this past Sunday with a special blessing. Praise God!

We celebrated late June and early July Birthdays this past Sunday, to include two were like Uncle Sam (Born on the Fourth of July)!

Late June Birthdays celebrated on Sunday. The Birthday Bags are getting rather interesting. This week included: Honey Crisp Apples and caramel. Yes, we are that cool.

God Bless Brinley as she lives into the promises made by God at her Baptism on June 24, 2018 at SSLC - as well as the promises made by her parents and sponsors!