The Epistle
Newsletter of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church of Random Lake, WI ELCA
705 Grand Avenue, Random Lake, WI 53075
Volume XLIX, #10, October, 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
A month ago, I started a new Chaplain position with Sharon Richardson Hospice. It’s very similar to my previous hospice job, but I won’t have to travel as far for my visits.
Ironically, on my first day on my drive to the inpatient unit outside Sheboygan Falls which should be a very direct 15 minute commute—north on Hwy 57 and east on Hwy 28—was torn a part by road construction which made for a frustratingly longer drive. Even crazier, for some reason my GPS seemed to route me slightly different and unexpected ways each day during my first week.
You can probably imagine how annoying that started out to be. But then one of the first days on the way home I got to see three sandhill cranes by the side of highway 57. Then the next morning just as I was getting tired of the winding road through the countryside by Hingham, I witnessed a whole field full of sandhill cranes, who returned there several days in a row. What amazing sight! It felt like a message from God to stop and appreciate the blessings along life’s way.
If just glimpsing the cranes on my daily commute wasn’t exciting enough, it was especially cool because I had just been to the International Crane Foundation in Wisconsin Dells and learned about those amazing birds. I couldn’t help but think that these creatures might be a sign of good fortune in my new position as they have been spiritual symbols in many cultures around the world.Instead of continuing to let a tedious commute get me down, I chose to make the best of the little things that showed up along the way. This is a simple lesson we can all learn about making the most of all of the little detours that may slow us down.
See you in church, Pastor Elizabeth
The Epistle article deadline for November, 2026 is Monday, October 26th at Noon.
Sunday Bulletin article deadline is every Monday at Noon.
FROM YOUR PARISH NURSE – Nancy Eberhardt
Dear Friends of St. Paul’s Lutheran,
Greetings in the name of Jesus, our great Physician! On October 18th , we celebrate the festival of St. Luke the Evangelist and physician. This festival provides us with an opportunity to consider the concept of wholistic health. I pray that this month may be a time of health and healing for you
and your loved ones.
Healing does not mean just the lack of illness or disability. Actually, the root of the word heal means wholeness. This is how the concept of wholistic health came to exist. As Christians, we remember that our wholeness involves harmony and balance among all aspects of our life,
with our relationship with God as our center.
Shalom is a gift from God. (translated ‘peace’ in John 14:27, 20:21). It is made possible through the complete and perfect atonement of Jesus Christ. Jesus refers to this gift of shalom or wholeness with these words, “…Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” John 14:27. Lyman Coleman in his study entitled Wholistic Health states: “The Biblical concept of wholeness Is expressed by the word ‘shalom’ in the New Testament. The word means wellbeing…health…happiness…and harmony. The word implies the healing of all fractures between man and God, man and man, man and nature, and among man, nature, and God”. Wholistic health refers to a process of wholeness that exists when there is harmony or balance among the different aspects of our life. May the Lord help us value the precious gift of life He has given us.
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, Jackie Kulkens
John Wulff, Alba Torrison, Tim Torrison
those on our prayer list and those we name in our hearts.
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. Sign up sheets are on the back table.
CHOIR REHEARSALS More voices are always welcome in the choir. Join us as we rehearse in the lounge @ 8 :45 , before the worship service on Sunday mornings.
HAM DINNER The Our Lady of the Lakes Ham Dinner & Fall Festival will be held on Sunday, October 4th from 9:30-1:30. Advance tickets are $15 for adults, and $7 for kids ages 4 and above. Tickets are available to purchase at Burmesch Variety Store & Collins State Bank.
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.
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.