Jubilee Sunday 2026
Celebrating 25 Years of Faithfulness
​Sunday, April 26, 2026

Introduction
In Scripture, a Jubilee is a time of release, restoration, gratitude, and new beginnings. On Sunday, April 26, 2026, St. Paul Lutheran Church will gather for our own Jubilee Sunday, a once-in-a-generation celebration of God’s faithfulness in our past, present, and future.

This special day will mark three significant milestones in the life of our congregation, each woven together into one story of vision, sacrifice, perseverance, renewal, and hope.

Why We Celebrate

1. 25 Years Since “Expanding Our Horizons” - In 2001, our congregation completed the “Expanding Our Horizons” capital campaign, culminating in the dedication of our remodeled and renovated church building on April 29, 2001. That project reshaped not only our physical space but also our capacity for ministry. For 25 years, these walls have held worship, baptisms, funerals, confirmation classes, mission projects, laughter, tears, and countless moments of grace. On Jubilee Sunday, we give thanks for the faithful leadership, generous giving, and bold vision that made that dream possible. Former pastor Jeff Beebe and his wife, Melissa, will join us and share special memories from that important season of groundbreaking and dedication. We also anticipate a pre-recorded greeting and reflections from former pastor Jim Mericle and his wife, Sondra, as we honor the leaders who helped shape this chapter of our story.
2. The Early Payoff of Our $1,037,000 Mortgage - In 2025, with a successful special mortgage payoff appeal to raise $100,000, St. Paul Lutheran celebrated the early payoff (nearly three years) of the $1,037,000 mortgage taken out for that remodel. What began as a leap of faith became a testimony to long-term faithfulness. This milestone represents decades of generosity and commitment. It marks not just financial freedom, but renewed energy and opportunity for mission. Jubilee Sunday is a moment to pause and say clearly: God has provided.
3. The Completion of Our Five-Year Redevelopment Journey - In addition, we will celebrate the official conclusion of our five-year, synodically determined Redevelopment phase. These years have stretched us, renewed us, clarified our purpose, and strengthened our identity as a congregation. Through discernment, prayer, partnership, and perseverance, we have emerged more focused, more grounded, and more hopeful. We are grateful for the guidance and support of the Saint Paul Area Synod throughout this process. We are honored that Pastor Justin Grimm, Assistant to the Bishop of the Saint Paul Area Synod, will be our guest preacher for Jubilee Sunday. Pastor Justin has walked closely with us throughout our Redevelopment journey, and it is fitting that he will help us proclaim God’s faithfulness on this day.

Looking Forward
Jubilee is never only about looking back. It is also about stepping forward. Upon the early payoff of our mortgage, our Church Council presented - and the congregation approved at our 2024 Annual Meeting - four mission initiatives that will guide our next chapter of ministry, in no particular order:

1. Staff Pay Increases - We are committed to fairly compensating the staff who lead, support, and inspire our congregation. Investing in our staff allows us to attract and retain gifted individuals who help us live out our vision of being a welcoming, caring, and healthy community of faith.
2. Rebuilding Our Savings - Strengthening our financial reserves ensures stability for current ministries and prepares us to respond with confidence and flexibility to future opportunities. By rebuilding our savings, we position St. Paul Lutheran for long-term sustainability and growth.
3. Investment in Facilities and Facility Staff -  For 50 years, our current church building has faithfully served as a sacred space for worship, fellowship, and outreach. Twenty-five years ago, through our remodel and renovation, that space was renewed and expanded, allowing it to serve us even more fully in the years since. We remain committed to maintaining and enhancing our facilities, including hiring a part-time custodian to care for our building and grounds. This investment reflects our deep gratitude for the space that has carried our ministry for generations and our desire to ensure it remains safe, beautiful, and welcoming for all who gather here in the years ahead.
4. Expanding Outreach Beyond Our Walls - Freed from mortgage debt, we are called outward. We will deepen support for local partners, respond to urgent community needs, strengthen our partnerships in Tanzania, and increase our support of the Saint Paul Area Synod. Our mission extends beyond our building into the wider world.

An Invitation
Jubilee Sunday will be festive, joyful, and meaningful. We anticipate welcoming many former and current members as we gather to give thanks for God’s rich blessings and faithful provision, especially throughout these Redevelopment years.

If St. Paul Lutheran has ever been part of your story, we invite you to come home for this celebration.

Make plans to join us on Sunday, April 26, 2026, as we rejoice in 25 years of ministry, celebrate freedom from debt, honor a season of renewal, and step boldly into the future God is preparing for us.

There is so much to celebrate. We would love for you to be part of it.