Welcome to Incarnation!
If you are new to Incarnation or you want to learn more about Incarnation ministries, please complete this online form we’ll use to connect you to a ministry leader according to your interests.

Worship, March 30, 2025, at 9:00 am and 10:30 am

All live-streamed worship will be on Vimeo but you don’t need a Vimeo account to view the live stream. The live stream will begin about ten minutes before the start of the service so you can make sure you’re able to connect.

Connect to Worship at 9:00 a.m. HERE
Prelude
Welcome
Call to Worship
Hymn—ELW # 697 Just a Closer Walk with Thee
Prayer for Illumination
Anthem
Reading—Luke 15:1-7
Sermon—Pastor Joy
Hymn—ELW # 334 Tree of Life (verses 1-3, Lent 4)
Confession and Forgiveness
Sung Prayer—There Is a Longing in Our Hearts
Sharing Peace
Communion (All are welcome)—Hymn # 190 Sanctus
Communion Music—Hymn # 195 Lamb of God, Hymn # 592 Just As I Am, without One Plea, Hymn # 335 Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross
Next Steps
Hymn—ELW # 638 Blessed Assurance
Benediction
Postlude

Connect to Worship at 10:30 a.m. HERE
Prelude
Welcome
Call to Worship
Opening Songs—God So Loved, Come As You Are
Reading—Luke 15:1-7
Sermon—Pastor Joy
Special Music
Confession and Forgiveness
Sung Prayer—There Is a Longing in Our Hearts
Sharing Peace
Communion—All are welcome
Next Steps
Closing Song—This Is Amazing Grace
Sending
Postlude

Watch later on Facebook
Watch later on the Web
Download a PDF of a guide for families worshipping together.

In Case of Technical Issues…

Occasionally, we may experience technical difficulties with our WiFi or Live Stream that could affect the transmission. Please know that all services are recorded and will be posted shortly after worship. We appreciate your patience and understanding when this happens.

Lent Worship Banner

The quilted banner features a cross and spikes, tools of crucifixion. The spikes are symbolized by the triangular shape of the fabric pieces in the cross design. Five red spikes represent the wounds of Jesus (hands, feet, side).

Sean Turner & Friends
April 6 at 4 pm

The fourth concert in our music series will feature Sean Turner and friends on April 6 at 4:00. The concert is free, about an hour long, and appropriate for all ages. The music will be stylistically inspired by jazz and showcase some of the most sought-after musicians in the region. Sean’s music has been widely heard in television and film and this concert will feature original compositions and arrangements as well as music from the jazz standard repertoire.

Welcome to Lent

In March, we begin the deep and good, soul-searching season of Lent. This year, we’re letting the Gospel of Luke guide us through Lent and using resources from the Sanctified Art Creative Team — it’s called EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN: meeting God in the midst of extremes.

Everyone will be invited to use a printed Lenten devotional (printed copies are one per family, please, or use the digital version—see link below) that contains scripture reflections, art, poetry, and more. Some of you have already signed up for small groups around these same themes.

In this coming season, we’ll visit some familiar stories—the Good Samaritan, Mary and Martha, the fruitless fig tree, the Lost Sheep, Zacchaeus, and more. So much in life in these days is pulling us in one direction or another, and this Lent, we will explore together how to be present where God is — in the messy middle. The Sanctified Art Creative Team writes:

As we studied these scriptures, we were struck by how Jesus’ ministry disrupted the established social, political, and religious divides of his time. Jesus intentionally pointed out cultural and political extremes to emphasize the radical, inclusive, and surprising love of God. When we study these stories in their historical and cultural context, we see how they mirror the divisions many of us experience in our families, churches, and communities today.

Our theme, “Everything In Between,” invites us to navigate the polarities in our lives with more faith, intention, and openness to be transformed. Each week’s theme explores two supposed binaries, like “faith & works” or “rest & growth,” or “grief & hope.” We often consider these ideas to be opposing. However, as we explore these concepts within the scriptures, we find nuance and complexity. We find that these dichotomies are false. We might begin to see a full spectrum instead of this or that. We might find that God is present in between.

We’ll worship together on Sundays through Lent and meet God —

• Between stranger & neighbor
• Between faith & works
• Between rest & growth
• Between lost & found
• Between righteousness & mercy

On Wednesdays, beginning March 12, there will be an opportunity to gather for a noon worship and conversation time. Then, you’re invited to share an evening Lenten meal together from 5:30 – 6:30 pm (free-will offering). Three evenings we’ll serve pizza and salad hosted by the CYF team and two other evenings we’ll share a different meal, hosted by the Feed My Starving Children team and then by Sue Bernlohr’s team. Our intention is to gather for a simple meal as a community in the mid-space between music, ILC Kids time, Confirmation, and Evening Worship at 7:15 pm. In these brief Wednesday evening worship times, we’ll listen to the Psalms—heartfelt prayers of the Bible sung straight from the messy middle of life to God’s listening ears.

We are hoping and praying that this will be a deep and good season that will connect to our lives exactly where we are and draw us close to God who meets us in all the in-between spaces.

Looking forward to Lent with you,
Pastor Joy

Art: © https://sanctifiedart.org/

Link to the Lent Devotional E-Reader

Lent begins this coming Wednesday, March 5. Lenten booklets will be available for pickup if you would like a printed copy. If you would prefer an e-reader, here is the link to the e-reader version of the devotional: Our friends at A Sanctified Art have provided a special e-reader version of this year’s Lenten devotional, which you can access on your computer and mobile devices:  online.flippingbook.com/view/676218946/.

In order to protect their work, please refrain from sharing this link or posting it on social media. We’re looking forward to making our way with you through this season where God meets us exactly where we are and draws us into loving relationship.

Join in a Small Group this Lent

If you did not have a chance to sign up for a Lent Small Group, we want you to know—it’s not too late to join in. Here is a list of the groups that still have openings and how to sign up for them.

Lent Small Groups using the devotional Everything In Between (the devotional will be offered to the whole congregation & available electronically) 

Everything in Between — Wed, Mar 12, 26, Apr 9
Small Group Leader: Liv Rosin
Wednesday mornings
11 am – 12:30 pm
6 openings
Contact: Liv directly — balsamrosin@gmail.com

Everything in Between — Zoom — Thurs, Mar 13, 20, 27, Apr 3
Small Group Leader: Jane Trapp
Thursday mornings
10:30-11:30 am
3 openings
Contact: Jane directly — janetrapp.sg@gmail.com

Everything in Between — weekday afternoon, dates TBD by group
Small Group Leader: Anne Cremons
9 openings
Contact: Anne directly — acremons@gmail.com

Midweek Lenten Worship & Conversation in a Smaller Setting at 12 Noon in the Fireside Room

Join us next Wednesday for midweek Lenten worship and conversation! We’ll gather around the table for prayer, readings, reflection, and casual conversation. Feel free to bring a bag lunch; we’ll provide coffee and water.

Labyrinths: Ancient Paths for Modern Prayer—Come and Walk the Labyrinth in Our Chapel!

Labyrinths have been used for centuries as a tool for prayer, meditation, and reflection. They offer a sacred space to slow down, center yourself, and connect with God. We invite you to experience this ancient practice in our chapel, where artist, spiritual director, and professional labyrinth maker Lisa Gidlow Moriarty has set up a labyrinth for you to walk.

For guidance on how to walk a labyrinth, visit: How to Walk the Labyrinth. Come as you are, take a deep breath, and follow the path!

Pictured: Incarnation Preschoolers got a chance to walk the labyrinth the other day. Look closely to see some praying hands!

Bring a Friend!

You’ve heard this invitation at the end of each service—now let’s put it into action! Pick up printed invitations to share with friends, neighbors, and colleagues, inviting them to join us this Easter and experience the warmth and welcome of our congregation.

Make it personal! Attach an invitation to a flower or a batch of homemade cookies as a thoughtful gesture of welcome. This is a simple yet meaningful way to share the love of our community.

This is outreach ministry in action—let’s do it together!

Announcements

Summer Internships at Incarnation

Have you ever thought about becoming a leader in a church or other non-profit organization? Would you like to discover your strengths and discern a little more about your calling in the world? Do you have a unique gift you can offer the Incarnation community as we move forward? If so, the summer intern program may be for you.

Who Can Apply:

• Young adults age 18 and older
• People, inside our community or community extended, who may be thinking about a career in public ministry or other non-profit organizations.
• People who have specific skills that can push us forward in our ministry.
• We are hoping for three interns.

What is the Timeline:

• Internships begin June 2 and run through the end of July. We will work around any planned vacations.

Paid or Unpaid?

• Thanks to an ongoing grant from our Endowment Team, each intern will receive $300/week for 15-20 hours of work.

What Will I Do?

• Each intern will be assigned a mentor.
• Weekly meetings with pastors, other interns, and mentors to discover strengths and build a team.
• Focused work in one ministry area based on your strengths and/or expand your ministry knowledge with multiple ministry experiences.

Comments from recent interns:

“I really enjoyed learning about my strengths because the experience has helped me grow immensely as a person.”
“Being so involved in the church these past two months has been so inspiring. I would 100% recommend this internship to a friend.”
“I am more enthusiastic about the work of the church. I would encourage any of my friends to become a part of this internship program because it was extremely beneficial for me as well as the church.”

Interested? Contact Pastor Kai Nilsen for an initial conversation (knilsen@incarnationmn.org)

Our vision at Incarnation is “A world filled with God’s love and grace.” For that vision to be realized we need to help develop new leaders who are filled with God’s love and grace. Maybe that leader is you!

Calling All Artists!

“Soup’s On” All Hands on Hope Soup Supper Fundraiser

The FMSC Action Group is preparing for this year’s All Hands on Hope Feed My Starving Children MobilePack^™ to be held at Incarnation April 30 – May 4, 2025. Please mark your calendars and plan to join us at a packing session or two — you can register to volunteer here.

But first, please join us in raising money to pay for the ingredients for the MobilePack™ by attending the All Hands on Hope Soup Supper Fundraiser on Wednesday, March 26 from 5:15-6:45 pm. Join us for a bowl of soup and community building, while supporting the event with a free-will offering. We will also be taking orders for the exclusive 2025 MobilePack™ T-shirt for anyone who donates $106 — the cost of feeding a child for one year.

We are seeking volunteers to help prepare, serve, and clean up after the meal. Please visit the Sign Up Genius and choose a shift or two. All are welcome at this community meal so please invite family, friends, and neighbors.

Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign 2025

Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign 2025
Food & Fund Drive to Benefit the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf
March 1 – April 6, 2025

The largest grassroots fundraiser and food drive in the state, the Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign, brings together various community organizations, businesses, and faith communities to help restock food shelves statewide, including the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf. The Ralph Reeder Food Shelf invited us to participate in the Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign by joining our friends and neighbors in collecting donations.

Your efforts will provide food and other programming and services for nearly 4000 children, adults, and seniors who receive services from the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf each month. Last year alone, the food shelf gave out over one million pounds of food and other essentials to our neighbors in need.

You may be asking yourself, “How can we help this year?”

🍎 Donate Food — Incarnation will be hosting a month-long food drive targeting the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf’s most-needed items at this time. Paper bags with grocery lists will be available at the church starting on Saturday, 3/1/25. Please return the bags to the church no later than Sunday, 3/30/25.

💰 Donate Funds — We know that there are some who prefer to donate money. This, too, helps Ralph Reeder provide for the neighbors in our community who suffer from food insecurity. Donations can be made in a number of ways:

• via a check made out to Incarnation with Ralph Reeder Food Shelf in the memo
• online via this link to Incarnation’s Realm Give Now page, choosing Ralph Reeder Food Shelf from the Fund drop-down box: https://onrealm.org/IncarnationLuth/-/form/give/now

The more funds and pounds of food & hygiene items we collect, the larger the bonus Ralph Reeder receives from Minnesota Foodshare. Share what you can!

Every little bit helps! We thank you for your generosity.

Holy Hammers/Habitat for Humanity

Volunteers are needed to support the interior finishing work for several new Habitat for Humanity homes at The Heights development in St. Paul(1461 McKnight Rd N). This is an opportunity to learn new skills, fellowship with other Holy Hammers, get some exercise and enjoy tasty lunches and snacks. The eight-week project starts on 4/21 and the Incarnation focus weeks are 4/28-5/1, 5/5-9, and 5/19-23. Also, there are still openings for help to provide lunches and snacks 5/19-23. For more information or questions, contact Jim Fruehling at 651-335-3554 or Jamesw.f@icloud.com.

From the Safety & Security Committee

Looking for an opportunity to volunteer on Sunday mornings? Are you able to step up and lead in stressful situations? Incarnation’s Safety and Security Committee is looking to create an Emergency Response Team. Members of the team would act as point persons for medical emergencies and/or fire response procedures during worship on Sunday mornings. Duties might include calling 911, identifying concerning behavior, or helping to coordinate an evacuation. Medical training is ideal but not necessary, and the committee will provide any additional training that might be required. If you are interested in learning more, contact the Safety and Security Committee by stopping by the Welcome Kiosk on Sunday mornings, calling the Incarnation office, or emailing council@incarnationmn.org

Building for Our Future

If you haven’t already brought in your commitment, we invite you to think about how God has blessed your life through this community and then state your “intention” of how much you will commit to Building for Our Future. These commitments are over and above our giving to the Operating Budget which supports our ongoing ministry and extend from now through December 2026. We will need all of us to build the future God intends, and if you have any questions, please reach out to us.

https://www.incarnationmn.org/give/building-for-our-future/

Small Group Book Study Facilitated by Georgia Schultz

The Time Is Now: A Call to Uncommon Courage by Joan Chittister
The group will meet in person on Wednesday afternoons at ILC
1 – 3 pm
Six sessions on March 19, 26, April 2, 9. 23, 30
It is open to all participants. If you are interested, contact Georgia Schultz.

Joan Chittister, a beloved nun and social activist offers a soul-stirring guide for all who feel disillusioned and dissatisfied with the power-hungry institutions and systems of this world. Pairing scriptural insights with narratives of the truth-telling prophets that came before us, Sister Joan offers a compelling vision for readers to combat complacency and propel themselves toward creating a world of justice, freedom, peace, and empowerment.

Books are available at Barnes and Noble, Thriftbooks.com, Kindle, Amazon and more.

Creation Care

Would you like to carpool to Duluth for the Ecofaith Summit? Contact Mike Vant, who is planning to attend a member of the St. Paul Area Synod Creation Care Work Group – mjvant@gmail.com

2025 EcoFaith Summit of the Upper Midwest: Earth’s Cries, Earth’s Call: Becoming Midwives of Hope for the Healing of Creation: Saturday, April 5, 9:30 am – 5:00 pm, First Lutheran Church in Duluth and Online. St. Paul Area Synod’s Care of Creation Work Group in collaboration with the EcoFaith Network invites you to participate. The day includes impactful speakers, action-oriented engagement sessions, vibrant worship, inspiring art, table exhibits, and networking time to equip disciples in congregations, camps, campuses, and communities to respond to God’s call in the cries of Creation. To register and for more information including a carpool discount, free registration for those under age 30, and free childcare provided: https://www.ecofaithnetwork.org/ecofaith-summit-2025

Sundays at 10:15 am in the Fireside Room

March 23

e-MERGE-ing Justice Ministries: ELCA World Hunger Partnerships and Intersectional Justice
For 50 years, ELCA World Hunger’s approach to ending hunger has focused on “root causes” of poverty, addressing the forces in our world that drive people to food insecurity. In recent years, ELCA World Hunger has tightened how we understand this work to an acronym, M.E.R.G.E.: ending hunger requires attention to migrant, environmental, racial, gender, and economic justice. Peter McClellan, program director for Hunger Education, ELCA’s Building Resilient Communities, will explore how M.E.R.G.E. justice principles are driving ELCA World Hunger’s work—from direct action to granting—and how they can support our community’s own approach to ending hunger.

Sunday, March 30

Shobi’s Table: Love Made Edible
Shobi’s Table is a St. Paul pay-as-you-can cafe and community. Kari Olsen, an ELCA deacon and director and mission Developer of Shobi’s Table, will discuss how we are a common table where all are fed in body and soul, and we envision a world where all have opportunity for good food and loving community. Our work and prayer together is paving the way for the future church to take shape as a community that centers its identity in the mutual love and service of a shared table.

Incarnation Preschool Enrollment Open Now

Registration for our preschool for the 2025-26 school year is open. If you know of families with young kids who may be looking for a loving and supportive Christian environment, please share this information. Visit Incarnation Preschool on our website or contact Preschool Director Kirsten Henry to learn more.

Sunday Morning Cookie Crew

Serving cookies is a fun way to serve at Incarnation and everyone appreciates it! Please review the available slots below and click here to sign up. We will send you instructions for serving the Thursday before you are scheduled to serve. Thank you in advance for helping!

A Little Pickleball Ditty

Come and play, it’s time to cheer,
Pickleball is happening here!
Tuesdays and Thursdays, two to eight,
Grab your paddle—it’s a date!

Bring a food shelf item as your “pay,”
To help our neighbors in need today.
And if you’d like to spread some cheer,
Sign up to be a greeter here!

• Please sign up as a door monitor here.
• Shifts are from 3-5 or 5-7 PM, but you may leave early IF there is anyone else who will stay until someone arrives to greet or play.
• Play is 2-8 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Before 3 PM, enter via Door #1