Ways We Connect

Book Group

Book Group = Good Stories + Good Conversation + Wine!  
​We are an informal group of readers who enjoy getting together and having interesting discussions about selected books that we’ve read.  The books – which do not always have a religious theme – are determined by consensus each November.  We meet once month, usually on the 3rd Sunday in January-June and September-November, from 4 to 6 p.m.  Members bring snacks and beverages (wine included!) to share.

Click for booklist.

Currently Reading

Brew Unto Others

We are a small group of beer aficionados who simply like to gather occasionally for good fellowship associated with brewing beer, singing and sampling.  No brewing skills are needed, and tasters are always welcome.  We are forever experimenting with different techniques in search of Katharina von Bora’s beer recipe that kept her husband, Martin Luther, going!
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Holy Crafters

UFOs - UnFinished prOjects … Yes, we all have them!  Holy Crafters is a regularly-scheduled event to work on your projects so you can get them finished.  Past projects have included scrapbooks, card making, knitting, recipe file organization, sewing, quilting, school homework, computer work, painting and more.  We meet in Fellowship Hall which has lots of tables, great lighting and a ramp for rolling carts.  Everyone usually works independently but often shares advice, tips and opinions for projects, and general conversation.  It’s always more fun to work in the fellowship of friends.  Come join us and get the unfinished projects laying around your house completed!
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Hymns and Hops

For centuries, saints of old would often gather at the local pub for drink, conversation, and even song.  St. Paul has adopted this long standing tradition, hosting its own "Hymns and Hops" to sing the Good News, enjoy a good brew (crafted by our own Brew Unto Others group), and share good times.  This event takes place twice a year on a selected evening in Fellowship Hall.  Members and non-members are welcome as we worship Jesus with full hearts, full voices and full pints!​

Men's Bridge

Calling all Men … it’s time to play bridge!  Join us on Tuesday mornings at 9 a.m. for a series of friendly, pressure-free bridge games.  Whether you’re the declarer, dummy, or on the defense, this is a great opportunity for men to get together to advance the game of bridge, enhance their knowledge, and sharpen their trick-taking skills.  Can we deal you in? ​​​​

Summer "Fellowship on the Lawn"

After each Sunday worship service from mid-June to Labor Day, summer fellowship among St. Paul church-goers takes place outside on the west side of the building.  This is a great way to enjoy baked goods and other foods provided by volunteers, while catching up with fellow worshipers before a new week begins.  Our casual outdoor assembly usually lasts about an hour; whether you're there for just a few minutes or the entire time, come mingle with us!​

Sunday Morning Fellowship

From fall to spring, coffee and pastries are served immediately after our early worship service and before our educational adult forum.  Each Sunday, different individuals volunteer to set up and provide refreshments for this brief networking period; other volunteers are asked to clean up afterwards.

Talk the Walk

If you need motivation to start moving around or just enjoy being outdoors in a beautiful natural setting, then St. Paul’s new walking group is perfect for you!  From the beginning of June to the end of August, we meet at the Herrick Lake Pavilion (east side of the lake) on Monday evenings at 7 p.m.; the nearest entrance is off Butterfield Road.  This area has several different trails of varying lengths to accommodate everyone.  To ensure that no one walks alone, at least 2 coordinators (“For Sure Walk Partners”) are guaranteed to be there each week.  After a short group devotion, pair up with someone your speed and just start walking.  No advance sign-up is needed; walkers of all ages (those in strollers, too) and at any pace are welcome!​​

Wine, Women & the Word

Do you enjoy getting together with friends, both old and new?  St. Paul’s “Wine, Women and the Word” ministry is a great way for female members and their friends to build and strengthen community.  On the first Friday evening of each month, beginning at 7:30 p.m., our group gathers in a fun, comfortable and relaxed social setting, usually at someone’s house.  Each woman is asked to bring a bottle of wine or some goodies to share.  The structure is loose – after catching up with one other, a “table topic” is introduced for more stimulating discussion.  There are no assignments, no dues, no long-term commitments, and no limits to where the evening’s conversations may lead…come join us!
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Women's Retreat

All women need to take some time off to nurture our minds, bodies, and spirit.  Our annual St. Paul Women’s Retreat takes place during a weekend in late June or July; for a true getaway, the venues are located about 90 minutes from Wheaton (e.g., Oregon, IL, Galena, IL, or over the Wisconsin border).  This is a wonderful occasion to leave responsibilities and routines behind for a short while and simply take joy in being with and supporting one another in a relaxed setting.  We share great meals, plentiful drinks, daily devotions and optional activities, not to mention unending laughs, fun and fellowship.
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