By Lauri Lee
Northside Business Association

Connecting people through commonalities and life stages isn’t just what they do, it’s who they are at St. Paul Lutheran Church. Recognizing that people who are relationally connected feel more a part of things and enjoy a higher quality of life, they offer groups for children, seniors, and veterans and their families. Participants get to know each other while sharing a meal, a simple, yet universal way to build relationships within groups.

Vets Connect is a gathering of veterans and their immediate families who have served our country. The group shares experiences, builds lasting relationships and extends helping hands to veterans and their families. Staff members from the Madison Veteran Center are on hand each week to connect veterans who are in need of assistance with available services. Many benefits have become available that veterans are not aware about. The group meets from 4:45–7 pm every Thursday, with a launch of Oct. 6. Participants enjoy dinner together followed by games or a movie. At the end of the time together, vets and their families receive frozen meat, poultry, pork and seafood.

KidStuff, geared for kids grades K–5, is a fun-filled experience in a positive environment. The First Look curriculum is designed for preschoolers three years and up. The programs are held every Wednesday night, September through May, starting Oct. 12. There is a family meal followed by a time learning age-appropriate virtues. Families may choose to worship from 6–7 pm, or use the hour as they wish.

Senior Connections provides the link for them to engage in a meal together, share memories and fun activities on a weekly basis. Held each Thursday from 10 am–2 pm, seniors enjoy a social time over coffee, then select grocery items to take home, which is followed by lunch and games. Bible study is also available.

St. Paul Lutheran Church is located at 2126 N. Sherman Ave. The programs are free and open to the public. Visit http://stpaulmadison.org or call 244-8077.