promising news

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Promising News 2021

NEW PROMISE LUTHERAN CHURCH of St. George Utah •A Ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

This past month we marked the year anniversary

of the disruption of in-person worship at New

Promise. There are lots of biblical metaphors we

could use to describe our year long hiatus from

fully gathering as a community—a wilderness

wandering, a Babylonian captivity, a Job like

experience of suffering and loss. All these biblical

narratives offer comparisons for framing our

experience this past year, and all of them are

meaningful in different ways. We should keep in

mind, however, that such biblical trials were never

understood simply mere trials; they were always

understood to be formative events.

If we are going to look for biblical comparisons for

our experience, it should not be in search of an

adequate comparison of our suffering. In truth, our

suffering pales in comparison to all these biblical

trials. We should instead seek a biblical narrative

for what we might learn from this experience.

All the biblical trials I alluded to earlier were

understood as faith forming moments for Israel.

Despite the miraculous deliverance from Egypt,

Israel complained almost immediately as they

wandered off into the wilderness; but it was in

the wilderness that Israel learned to trust God to

provide for their welfare. Israel’s exile in Babylon

was also understood as a necessary corrective for

Israel’s failure to live by God’s law and to embody

God’s justice; in Babylon, Israel came to repent of

their unfaithfulness and idolatry. And even though

Job’s suffering seemed completely pointless and

unnecessary, Job came to learn humility in

suffering; in the end Job recognized that the world

was not his to control or judge, but that God can be

trusted to do what is right.

I do think we have learned a great deal as a

congregation, and perhaps also as individuals about

living by faith. This is the right posture for such

times. We are always called to be open to what

God is teaching us. And also humble in

recognizing that we are not in control. I know that

not all have agreed with our choices over the

course of this year, but I am grateful that despite

our differences we have managed to remain

committed to one another and to the community of

New Promise.

Thankfully, our celebration of Christ’s resurrection

coincides with signs of hope in the fight against

COVID. Because we do see progress, the Church

Council together with the Worship Team believe

that we can begin easing restrictions for gathering.

Beginning Easter Sunday, we will be increasing

the seating in the sanctuary to accommodate up to

50 people in row-style seating, in Luther Hall we

will seat up to 30 people in the grouped seating

arrangement that we have become familiar with;

and with the warmer weather we can now open the

patio for up to 20 people. This will allow 100

people at a service in variety of seating formats

that allow individuals to worship at their own

comfort and immunization status. Furthermore, on

Easter we will invite those who are interested to

stay for a fellowship time after worship that will

include coffee and treats in the parking lot.

continued on page 2

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New Promise

Lutheran Church

244 S Valley View Drive

St. George, UT 84770

(435) 628-9740

Sunday Worship Hours:

9:30 Worship

Streaming on our website:

www.newpromiseelca.org

8:00 & 9:30 Limited in-person

sign up at the website

Office Hours During Covid-19

please call for appt.

Church Staff Members

Pastors: Joe Doherty [email protected]

Jill Doherty [email protected]

Secretary/ Newsletter: Paula Fronk

[email protected]

Musician: Matt Wilkes Organist: Cheryl Huner Media & Choir Director: Paul Leuthauser SpiritSong Music Team: Janine Leuthauser Cynthia Stewart Gail Veley Shanna Stordahl Building Manager: Jen-Ling Chang Nursery Attendant: Marta Salat Llorente

Church Council 2021

President and Staff Support: Rick Morin Vice President Indigo Klabanoff Secretary: Barbara Bengston

Council Liasons

Pastor Joe Pastor Jill Worship Barbara Bengston Youth Sara McLin Finance Dave Preston Property Jenni Day Fellowship Eric Nicholaus E Team Indigo Klabanoff

Finance Team

Treasurer: Bob Egner Financial Secretary: Lori Dischbein

Council meetings are open to the congregation!

The 2021 Flower

& Candle Charts

are available on the wall outside the church office.

You may wish to sign up for flowers or the

eternal flame in honor or memory of someone.

Suggested donation to offset

the cost of the flowers is $20.00

and for candles $5.00.

Please write on the check and the envelope “flowers” or “candle” so

that the counters know where to credit your donation.

Also, please note that on the flower chart,

there are only two places for each Sunday.

continued from page 1

These changes meet or exceed the recommendations of our state health department. The church council will continue to rely on community health experts to plan for the safety of our congregation in worship as conditions change. For the time being, however, will continue to ask people to mask in worship and practice social distancing. But this is a first step in the direction of the promised land or return to Jerusalem (or however you want to frame it). We are also tracking our own vaccination status as a community which we will also take into account each month as we meet to discuss additional changes.

It feels good to be moving in a new direction toward gathering once again. Thank you again for your patience and for letting love guide your actions in this challenging time.

In His Grip,

Pastor joe

April 11th @ 11:00 am

For those interested in becoming members,

sign-up online at the church website:

www.newpromiseelca.org

Promise

Discovery Class

mailto:[email protected]


http://www.newpromiseelca.org

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April 4 Acts 10:34-43

Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24

1 Corinthians 15:1-11

Mark 16:1-8

April 11 Acts 4:32-35

Psalm 133

1 John 1:1--2:2

John 20:19-31

April 18

Acts 3:12-19

Psalm 4

1 John 3:1-7

Luke 24:36b-48

April 25

Acts 4:5-12

Psalm 23

1 John 3:16-24

John 10:11-18

Will be @ 7 pm on April 2. A link to the

service will be available by going to

www.newpromiseelca.org. You may also

come to the church building to view the

worship together with others. Worship

provided by the Grand Canyon Synod of

the ELCA.

Sunday, April 4, 2021

8 & 9:30 Limited in-person worship

Sign up @ newpromiseelca.org

9:30 Worship streaming on

11:00 am Limited in-person worship


Sunday, April 11, 2021 8 & 9:30 Limited in-person worship



Sunday, April 18, 2021




Sunday,April 25, 2021




Disciplines 2021

Book of

Daily Devotions

Are available

Please make your check payable to New Promise

$14.00 – Regular Edition

$17.00 – Large Edition

Information @ the Info—desk

Bible

Readings

Altar Flower Reminder

Thank you to the following members who have signed up

to provide flowers for this month:

April 4 Easter Lilies

April 11 Available Available

April 18 John & Susan Maier Available

April 25 Cindy Viger Marsha Watson

Suggested donation to offset the cost of the flowers is $20.00.

Please write on the check and the envelope “flowers” so that the

counters know where to credit your donation.

There are only two altar flowers each week.

If you are interested in signing up for any open spaces,

the sign-up chart is on the wall in the foyer

before you enter the office.

call or email the church office if you would like to give

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A Tribute and Prayer for our Troops

We pray for those serving in active duty around the world. May they not come into harms way and find a safe return home. We pray for those of New Promise family and friends.

Thomas Farnsworth

Mike Rowe

Lindsay Crews

David Osborn

Matthew Sorenson

Steve Senholtz

Chafin Cox

Prayer: ‘Heavenly Father, hold our troops in Your loving hands.

Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their

families for the selfless acts they perform for us in this

our time of needs. These things we humbly ask in the

name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, Amen.’

PRAYER CONCERNS:

Members: Sue Mickelson, Bettie Swiontek, Chuck Persing, Pat Teicher, Mike & Jan Frisbey, Bob & Polly Pattison, Charlotte Krupicka, Deanna Thibert, Blanche Mikkelson, Tom & Helene Regelein,

Tom Bennett, Cynthia Scoles, Judi DeVries, Tim Bennett, Chris Bode’, Frank Koch, Bud Hower, Dick & Kathy Platzer, Mary K Tierney, Hal Eward, Bobbi Ericson, Lorna Greenwalt, Gail Veley, Marisol Stubbs, Dave & Kathleen Preston,

Barbara Miller, Judy Lane, Ulrich Scholz, Jerry Malone, Germaine Schwarz, Juanita Huber, Dianna Lanz, Ron & Ann Riedasch, Larry Pitt, Pam Nicholaus, Norma Molesworth, Hallie Meyer, Jim Lid

Prayer concerns of friends & family:

If prayers are no longer

needed, please let the

church office know.

Eternal Flame Reminder

Thank you to the following members who have signed

up to provide oil for the Eternal Light this month:

April 4 Linda Scott

April 11 Linda Scott



Suggested donation to offset the

cost of the oil is $5.00

call or email the church office if you would like to give.

Bill Anderson Family Family of Juanita Huber John Dorion Brother of Cindy Keegan

Brenda Hoot & Family Family of the McLins Laura Russell Family of Judy Oberdick Carly Walkup Niece of Jim & Darleen McGuckie Linda Krepela Friend of Carma Rollins

Cindy Brodhagen Friend of Rick & Barb Morin Lydia Howell Family of Al Garback

Dave Son of Dorothy Jarman-Murray Mary Phillips Friend of Cynthia Stewart David Brown Husband of Patty Brown Michael Blessington Friend of the Fronk’s

Ed Dienes Friend of Walt & Pam Becher Richard Miller Brother of Diana Staehle

Eugene Slater Brother of Dee Lid Rosalie Long Friend of Linda Scott Heather Schaffer Daughter of Helene Regelian Sandy Young Friend of Kathleen Caruthers

Ike Eickholt Friend of New Promise Stan Owens Father of Julie Thompson

Jackie Cacciolfi Mother of Renee Moore Tom Cable Spouse of Judy Oberdick Jeanne Rettos-Logan Daughter of Nick & Imogene Rettos Tom Kirk Friend of New Promise John Watson’s Mom Mother in law of Marsha Watson Tyler H Family of Christine Bennett

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THE UTAH FOOD BANK

HERE IN ST GEORGE

is regularly in need of the following items:

*Peanut Butter *Canned meats *Canned fruit and vegetables *Ramen *Dried beans *Pasta *Mac-n-cheese

If you can donate, please drop off in the bin outside the front of church.

FAITH IN AN ANXIOUS WORLD

Youth grades 6 – 12 are invited to this 4 week conversation series where we will gather to talk about how anxiety affects us and discover the stories of Jesus that can equip us in anxious times. Conversations will be Sundays in Promise House from 10:30 to Noon April 11th, 18th, 25th, & May 2nd.

Text Pr. Jill if interested

Beginning Thursday April 15th meeting at 3pm on Thursdays for four weeks, New Promise will offer an Adult Education class looking at our conceptions of God. The class will be four weeks of conversations around the following four attributes of God:

1) God is not emotional 2) God does not change 3) God is all powerful 4) God is all knowing Our goal is not to tell you how to understand these attributes but to invite you to: 1) understand your role as interpreters of the bible

and what it says about God; 2) to make you aware of the influences be hind our assumptions about these at tributes; and 3) to help you approach scripture less as a riddle to solve than as an ongoing conversation in which the Spirit is actively shaping faith and revealing Christ. To participate please sign up on the church website www.newpromiseelca.org

UTAH

FOOD

BANK

EASTER WORSHIP: We will offer three service times on Easter Sunday. 8:00 am, 9:30 am, and 11:00am. All services will include live music, Organ at 8 & 11 and the praise team at 9:30. Fellowship with coffee will be offered after each service in the parking lot.

NEW WORSHIP SEATING TO BEGIN EASTER SUNDAY: Based on reduced case counts and growing immunity through vaccination we will be making the following changes in Worship:

SANCTUARY seating will be changed to row-style seating with a capacity of 50 individuals with seats separating household groups.

LUTHER HALL will continue to be arranged in grouped seating with increased capacity of up to 30 individuals.

PATIO will again be available for worship seating for up to 20 individuals in grouped seating.

In addition we will return to live music in worship, we will once again invite participants in worship to sing with masks.

SHOE DRIVE

Trinity Lutheran School is doing a shoe drive as a fundraiser for a new playground. There is a box outside New Promise to collect new and gently used donations.

1st and 3rd Fridays

K-5 @ 3 pm

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New Promise Lutheran Council Minutes—March 11th

Attending:

Pastor Joe Doherty

Pastor Jill Doherty

Rick Morin, Council President

Indigo Klabanoff, Council Vice President

Barbara Bengston, Council Secretary

Sara McLin – Council Member

Jenni Day – Council Member

Dave Preston—Council Member

Eric Nicholaus—Council Member

Bob Egner - Guest

Call to order 3:00 pm

Pastor Jill opened with prayer.

Eric Motioned to approve the January Council minutes Joe seconded, all are in favor and the Motion is carried.

New Business Worship Changes & Communication to Congregation Masks, Seating, Music, Singing, Live Music, Fellowship. Concerning the usage of face makes, it was discussed when and if to change the status of requiring masks. Governor Cox plans to loosen requirements for masks on April 10. We discussed CDC recommendations. An option was suggested to add 30 additional seats in the sanctuary, 20 additional seats in Luther Hall and opening the patio with fellowship outside for Easter. It is also suggested that optional masks outdoors and masks indoor. It is decided to let the Worship Team to make the necessary changes with our recommendations.

Flag The wording on the plaque was discussed. It was decided the wording should include veterans and their families and all who have served and sacrificed. It was suggested we could have a wall done in a place of honor the plaque. Special dates to honor the flag: Memorial Day, Flag Day, July 4th, Veteran’s Day, Labor Day.

Ministry Reports Finance – Bob Egner

Mortgage pay down. Our rate is currently at 4.3% and our savings interest is much lower. Bob suggested paying down the mortgage by $60,000 to reduce the amount paid in interest. Pastor Joe Motioned to pay the mortgage down by $ 60,000, Barbara Bengston seconded, all are in favor and the Motion is carried.

Interest from savings in Mission Investment Fund (MIF) is much higher than Wells Fargo. Bob would like to forward anything above $50,000 to MIF monthly (General Fund only). Joe Motioned for standing authorization for Treasurer to transfer funds to MIF as needed, Eric seconded, all are in favor with one opposed and the Motion is carried.

Youth– Sara McLin Summer camp was discussed. Rainbow Trail insists on the use of masks. They will allow singing with masks. Health safety regulations are determined by Rainbow Trail. We will revisit this discussion. Youth group has a nucleus of 5.

Pastor’s Reports

Pastor Jill

Pastor Jill is requesting permission to purchase a couple guest books for use at Memorials/Funerals from out of the restricted Memorials fund. Jenni Day offered to get 3 books from her employer as a donation.

Cindy Viger of the team planning the Holiday Bazaar is asking input from Council on plausibility of hosting the Bazaar this Fall. (It was postponed in 2020 due to Covid) Pastor Joe suggests planning for the bazaar. There is no conflict from the Council.

Pastor Joe

ICL Dixie has accepted my proposal to teach a class on the bible. The class will cover: 1) canonization process for Books included in the bible; 2) manuscripts; 3) translations; 4) approaches to reading—literature, history, Devotion, and theology.

Beginning April 15th I will be offering an Adult Ed class at New Promise called Examining our Conceptions of God. This will be co taught by Dr. Brent Slife and will go for four weeks.

On March 9th I received my first vaccine shot (Moderna) I can receive the second dose any time after April 6th.

Following this year’s annual meeting I think it would be wise to request items of “New Business” from the congregation in writing 2 weeks prior to the meeting so that they can be included in the printed Annual Report and the congregation can be adequately prepare and be informed about issues raised. This way folks that want to have their input will know ahead of time as well.

Pastor Joe Motioned that any new business to be presented, should submitted in writing prior to the meeting, Rick seconded, all are in favor and the Motion is carried.

The quilters asked for permission to meet without masks when those meeting have all been vaccinated. Because people could come into the church who are not vaccinated they are asked to continue with masks until April meeting when we’ll follow Governor Cox’s recommendations.

Adjournment by unanimous consent of the Council.

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Average Monthly Attendance

(Excluding Midweek Services)

March 2021 137*

March 2020 135*

March 2019 193

March 2018 197

March 2017 183

*Due to Covid-19 streaming worship services on-line

& limited in person attendance, these numbers are

individual screens views combined with in person

people.

Financially Speaking (Through February 2021)

YEAR

General Fund FEBRUARY TO DATE

Revenue $ 36,357 $ 83,792 Expenses $ 28,042 $ 26,217 Revenue Over (Under) Expenses $ 8,315 $ 26,575 Debt Service/Building Fund Revenue $ 4,960 $ 10,804 Expenses $ 4,153 $ 8,306 Revenue Over (Under) Expenses $ 807 $ 2,498

Thank you for your continued financial Support to New Promise’s ministries!

Stephen Ministry

Pastor Joe and the Stephen Leaders are putting out a call to people of New Promise who may be interested in becoming a Stephen Minister. As you know, Stephen Ministers provide Christian support to members of our congregation who have suffered a loss of a loved one or may be experiencing personal losses in their life that are too difficult to deal with without some support. The Stephen Ministers job is to walk with their care receiver rather than “solve” the problem. That help requires that the Stephen Minister meet with their care receiver for one hour each week. That care is done by phone at this time, but within months (assuming continued progress on the pandemic) Stephen Ministers will be able to meet face to face.

If you are interested, you may feel comforted to know that before you are assigned a care receiver you will receive excellent extensive training to prepare you to assume the role of care giver. Once you are seeing a care receiver you will also meet with the Stephen Leader team, Pastor Joe, Stephen Leaders, and the other New Promise Stephen Ministers to receive support and supervision. The training and the supervision meetings are lively and very helpful for all involved.

Be safe and be well

Pat Teicher

OFFERING

If you are worshiping in-person and have an offering we invite you to place it in the baskets available in each space near the entrance. For those of you worshiping at home you can in one of these ways:

1) mail in your check to the church;

2) make contributions on line via the church website using the “give on-line” link to make a one-time gift or set up a recurring gift by automatic bank transfer; or

3) use your own bank’s bill pay service to set up a recurring donation, directing the

bank to send the check to the church’s address. Please also include your giving

number in the memo line so that it will appear on your giving statement.

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Wish List for Switchpoint

Paper Bowls

Paper Plates (High Need)

Dust Pans

New Underwear (All Sizes)

Items can be dropped off at church or taken directly to Switchpoint.

They are located at 948 N. 1300 W.

Phone 435-627-4663

Beyond food and shelter: Switchpoint Community Resource Center is a stepping stone to independence for homeless individuals.

NAVAJO LUTHERAN MISSION—at

Rock Point, AZ has experienced quite a bit

of hardship during this pandemic. Many don’t

have running water which makes general

sanitation difficult. Some needs are: copy

paper (for printing homework packets for

children at the school), hand sanitizer, Ziploc

gallon bags. Monetary donations can be sent

to:

Navajo Lutheran Mission P.O. Box 354, Hwy 191 One Mission Lane Rock Point, AZ 86545

Food Needs List for Soup Kitchen Most pressing needs are

Any Type of canned Bean

(Black, Pinto, Kidney, Green, etc.)

Any canned Vegetables, Stew,

Tuna, Peanut Butter, Juice Boxes,

Any Type of Tomato (Diced, Stewed, Sauce)

Packaged Rice, Hot Cereal, Cold Cereal,

Shelf—Stable Milk,

Any Pasta

April 1

April 4

April 5

April 7

April 9

April 11

April 11

April 14

April 14

April 15

April 15

April 16

April 16

April 17

April 20

April 23

April 23

April 24

April 25

April 26

April 27

April 28

April 28

April 28

John Stordahl

Gerry Zimmerman

Travis Julian

T J Bennett

Cynthia Stewart

Werner Balsterholt

Carol Engbrecht

Norman Chang

Renee Moore

Erin Schroeder

John Maier

Susan Maier

Barbara Mason

Elaine Andrews

Karen Slife

Sherrye Beaudoin

John Watson

Hal Engle

Alan Garback

Charles Grindberg

Marjorie Norgren

Charlotte Krupicka

Philip Keith Tolle

Byron Viger

April 1

April 1

April 3

April 4

April 8

April 9

April 12

April 17

April 17

April 25

April 28

April 30

April 14

April 16

April 16

April 18

April 22

April 24

April 24

April 29

Jack & Charlotte Krupicka

John & Eileen Elden

Bud & Enid Hower

Jim & Jeanne Liken

Ed & Alice Heimburg

David & Patty Brown

Richard & Cheryl Dyer

Bill & Ankara Rosser

Rose Eward

Barbara Mason

Ann Stuart

Carole Beard

Deanna Thibert

Martha Heuer

Michael Henley

Elaine Andrews

Darleen McGuckie

Alan Garback

Charlotte Krupicka

Eileen Elden

Celebrating this month

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Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1

9:00 QUILTERS 9:30 KNITTERS NO SNACKS, MUST WEAR MASKS & SOCIAL DISTANCE

2 1ST FRIDAY K-5 3PM GRAND CANYON SYNOD 7PM

3

4

8 & 9:30 WORSHIP

LIMITED SPACE

9:30 AM WORSHIP

STREAMING ON:

11 AM WORSHIP

LIMITED SPACE

5

6 8 AM MEN’S BIBLE STUDY ON ZOOM 10 AM WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY ON ZOOM

7

1:00 PM WOMEN’S COMMUNITY BIIBLE 1:30 STAFF MTG ON ZOOM 3:30 SPIRITSONG

8 9:00 QUILTERS 9:30 KNITTERS NO SNACKS, MUST WEAR MASKS & SOCIAL DISTANCE

9

3 PM COUNCIL ON ZOOM

10 8 AM NP HIKE GUNLOCK PETROGLYPHS/SLOT CANYON HIKE. MEET AT NP PARKING LOT

11

8 & 9:30 WORSHIP

LIMITED SPACE

9:30 AM WORSHIP STREAMING ON:

10:30 –12 FAITH IN

AN ANXIOUS WORLD

GRADES 6-12—PH

12 PM

CONFIRMATION

PROMISE DICOVERY

1PM ON ZOOM

12

13

8 AM MEN’S BIBLE STUDY ON ZOOM 10 AM WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY ON ZOOM

14 1:00 PM WOMEN’S COMMUNITY BIIBLE

1:30 STAFF MTG ON ZOOM

3:30 SPIRITSONG

15 9:00 QUILTERS 9:30 KNITTERS NO SNACKS, MUST WEAR MASKS & SOCIAL DISTANCE 3 PM ADULT-ED

16 3RD FRIDAY K-5 3PM

17

8 AM NP HIKERS

VALLEY VIEW DR

CLEANUP MEET

AT NP PARKING

LOT 8 AM

18

8 & 9:30 WORSHIP

LIMITED SPACE

9:30 AM WORSHIP

STREAMING ON:

10:30 –12 FAITH IN

AN ANXIOUS WORLD

GRADES 6-12—PH

19

20


21 8 AM NP HIKE RED MOUNTAIN OVERLOOK 1:00 PM WOMEN’S COMMUNITY BIIBLE 1:30 STAFF MTG ON ZOOM 3:30 SPIRITSONG

22

9:00 QUILTERS 9:30 KNITTERS NO SNACKS, MUST WEAR MASKS & SOCIAL DISTANCE 3 PM ADULT-ED

23

4PM SERVE @

SWITCHPOINT

24

25 8 & 9:30 WORSHIP

LIMITED SPACE

9:30 AM WORSHIP

STREAMING ON:

10:30 –12 FAITH IN

AN ANXIOUS WORLD

GRADES 6-12—PH

12 PM

CONFIRMATION

26

27


28

1:00 PM WOMEN’S COMMUNITY BIIBLE 1:30 STAFF MTG ON ZOOM 3:30 SPIRITSONG

29 9:00 QUILTERS 9:30 KNITTERS NO SNACKS, MUST WEAR MASKS & SOCIAL DISTANCE 3 PM ADULT-ED

30

2021

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New Promise Lutheran Church

Mission Statement:

To glorify God through building up the body of Christ.

This newsletter is for the members and friends of New Promise Lutheran Church.

Submissions for the newsletter are always welcome. If you have something you would like to share, please contact Paula Fronk, the secretary at New Promise Lutheran Church, 628-9740,

or e-mail to [email protected].

You may also submit your information in writing and put it in the basket in the church office. Be sure to put your name and phone number on your submission in the event there are some questions.

The deadline for all submissions will be the 15th of each month.

Questions? Call New Promise Lutheran Church @ 435-628-9740, or e-mail: [email protected]

[email protected] website: www.newpromiseelca.org

New Promise Lutheran Church

244 S. Valley View Dr.

St. George, UT 84770




http://www.newpromiseelca.org

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