The Epistle
Newsletter of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church of Random Lake, WI ELCA
705 Grand Avenue, Random Lake, WI 53075
Volume XLIX, #8, August, 2026
Church Phone: (920) 994-4043 Pastor Elizabeth Jaeger (920) 331-0874
Website: www.stpaulsrandomlake.com Email: jaegerelizabeth07@gmail.com
Email: stpaulsrandomlakewi@gmail.com
Pastor’s Message
God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world. (John 3:16-17)
Two church members sat in their usual pew and traded their usual gossip before worship started. “Do you know where her husband is?” wonders one. “I hear he got arrested for drunk driving,” replies the other.
God’s people are often more ready to criticize and judge than God is. Sadly, we may use God’s law as a weapon to tear down rather than a tool to build up the Body of Christ.
Jesus came into the world not to condemn sinners, but to save them. As followers we are called to see others with the loving eyes of God and to treat them with mercy and acceptance, not judgment, so that God’s love might shine through us.
Janine had a complaint about the new drummer in her church’s praise band. She went to the Music Director. “Have you noticed how Kwame wears a hat in worship? I’m just shocked. You really should have a discussion,” said Janine.
The Music Director realized it was past time to talk to Kwame: “You’re new here at Good Shepherd. I am long overdue in telling you that I’m glad that you’re with us and I’m thankful you have chosen to share your gift of drumming.”
It is a human temptation to judge others. All too often it is easier and more comfortable to see others’ “failings” than our own—as Jesus said, “Why do you see the speck in your neighbor’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye?” (Matthew 7:3)
God gave the Law as a gift for us to use to measure our own actions, not to use to bludgeon others with judgment and criticism. When we repent of our sins, God is full of grace and quicker to forgive us than we are to forgive one another.
See you in church.
Pastor Elizabeth
The Epistle article deadline for September, 2026 is Monday, August 24th at Noon.
Sunday Bulletin article deadline is every Monday at Noon.
FROM YOUR PARISH NURSE – Nancy Eberhardt
Dear Friends of St. Paul’s Lutheran,
I hope you are able to take time to enjoy the summer that remains, before the fall and its busy schedule is here. This month I would like to share some thoughts on Suffering and Caring. Suffering seems to be a human experience that we all share at one time or another, and yet it remains a disturbing and perplexing situation for both the person suffering and those around him/her.
The Bible contains many references to human suffering. We are all familiar with the account of Job. We especially remember his suffering, “Man born of woman is of a few days and full of trouble. He springs up like a flower and withers away” Job 14:1,2. This powerful book also contains words of comfort, “But those who suffer He delivers in their suffering; He speaks to them in their affliction” Job 36:15.
What Do We Mean By the Word Suffering?
All of us experience suffering, yet we may not mean the same thing when we use this term. I consider suffering to be a general situation of distress which affects all of a person. Suffering is different from pain in that suffering (1) does not have an immediate remedy (2) floods the whole of a person, and (3) impacts our sense of meaning and drives us toward God.
How Can We Understand Suffering in Light of Our Faith?
Our Lord’s charge to the early church directed the faithful to preach, teach and heal-Matthew 10:7,8 and Matthew 28:19,20. While we are encouraged to offer gifts of healing to those suffering, the question remains: How can the experience of suffering be included in theology of redemption?
Redemption refers to the process of ‘buying back’ in such a manner that wholeness and worth is enhanced. The empty experience of suffering can be redeemed because Jesus has stood in the presence of anguish and suffering, redeemed us with His blood, and triumphed over brokenness, sin and suffering in His resurrection. He gave His life for us, so that we can now enjoy a life that transcends suffering, alienation and brokenness.
What Can the Church do For People Who Are Suffering?
Jesus’ healing life empowers the Church to do healing ministry with a hurting and broken world. As children of God, all of us are called to share these gifts of healing with one another. There are several specific things we can do when we confront suffering. First, we can offer a ministry of presence, or sharing with a suffering person our gifts of time, selves, and compassion. Second, we can help people to discover meaning in the midst of their suffering. Third, we can take action directed at alleviating suffering. May the revelation of Jesus’ suffering evermore challenge us to do healing ministry in our hurting world.
Prayers from the people for the people.
We pray especially for…
Joanne Hafemann, Barb Torrison, Hope Wulff, Darrell Wilke, Theresa Wilke, Pastor Marilyn Borchardt, Jasmine Kraus, Ken Borchardt, Judy Schluechtermann, Dave Klug, Audrey Crowell, Dee Maas, Vicki Zimmermann
John Wulff, Alba Torrison, Tim Torrison
those on our prayer list and those we name in our hearts.
SAVE THE DATE! Our church picnic will be on Rally Day, Sunday, September 13th. Karen Mole will once again be hosting. Her address is 814 1st Street. Church will provide burgers, brats, hot dogs and beverages. We ask that everyone brings a dish to pass. Bringing your own lawn chairs is also recommended. There will be games for all ages!
SAVE THE DATE! This year’s Mobile Pack will be Saturday, October 10, 8-10am. This is a great community service event if you have any children who need to do that. Also great for anyone over the age of 5 to begin teaching them how to give back.
GOSPEL MUSIC FESTIVAL – August 21 & 22, 2026 – at the Hilbert Civic Park, located on Hwy. 57/32 in Hilbert, WI. Friday – 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; Saturday – 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Country + Southern gospel + Bluegrass. See fliers on the kiosk for more information.
QUILTING will take a break for the summer months, and will start up again in September.
BINGO will take a break for the summer months, and will start up again in September.
ALUMINUM CAN UPDATE We will no longer be collecting aluminum cans. Any cans can go in the regular recycling can in the kitchen. Thank you to all who have saved cans for us in the past. We will, however, continue to collect tabs from the cans for the Ronald McDonald house, so keep them coming!
PLEASE CONSIDER donating your old eyeglasses, hearing aids, and cell phones. We have placed a container from the Amsterdam Lions Club in the back of the sanctuary for your donations. For any questions, contact Art Schoenemann.
SODA CAN TABS We are always collecting soda can tabs to benefit The Ronald McDonald House. Save them up for us!
MEDICAL AIDS LENDING LIBRARY We have a collection of medical aids available to borrow for anyone who needs them. Our library includes wheelchairs, walkers, commodes, canes, crutches, medical boots, and a cooling machine. Please contact Sandi Wulff at (920) 838-2246 or Roni Brock at (920) 980-8482 for more information.
RANDOM LAKE AREA INTERFAITH FOOD PANTRY – If your family is in need, please visit the Random Lake Area Interfaith Food Pantry. No appointments are needed. Food, paper products, and personal care items are free of charge for qualifying residents of the Random Lake School District, Oostburg School District, the Town of Holland, and the Village of Cedar Grove. For the first visit, it is helpful to bring a photo ID and proof of address.The food pantry is open on Tuesdays from 9 am to 12 noon and the first Tuesday of the month from 5 pm to 7 pm. The pantry is located at 310 Center Avenue, Adell. For more information, call (920) 447-2293. During the month of September, 39 families received help. Donations may be dropped off at area churches, the Lakeview Community Library in Random Lake, or the food pantry during open hours.