Friday, January 31 Announcements

Worship with us, February 2, 9:30am.
Join us in person or on our YouTube channel.  Pastor Erick will preach on  Luke 2:22-40

Upcoming Worship Helpers February 2, 9:30 am 
Greeters/ Ushers: Dean and Ann Bartelt
Reader: Cheryl Young
Sound/ Screen/ Streaming: Lisa Vossekuil
Musician: Praise Band
Counters: Lisa Vossekuil and Wayne Martens
Communion Server: Kim Patience and Bonnie Fenimore
Communion Bread:  Kim Patience
Acolytes/ Crucifer: 

Devotions from God Pause
Nehemiah had a huge role in the Jews’ return from Babylonian exile. Imagine the exiles returning home. Most felt like foreigners. They must have longed to become unified again. What would you have wanted most in that situation? Shelter, food—something else? Remarkably, they hungered most for God’s Word. Ezra gathered all the people, read and interpreted it for many hours. Their reaction was to weep for their sins, but also to joyfully respond to their source of hope. In a world of fear and despair, rejoicing may seem foolish. Yet verse10 reminds us not to embrace doom and gloom. Our hope and strength are rooted in God’s promises. When asked to sponsor two Haitian refugees, I did so willingly. Their fear remains, but their faith is strong. While their present and future are uncertain, they choose to remember, “for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

Service of Installation. On Sunday, February 2, we will celebrate Pastor Erick’s installation as our pastor at 9:30 worship. Pastor Dan Kuckuck of the SE Iowa Synod Bishop’s Office will be with us. A special time of fellowship will follow the service. 

“Join us for Meeting on Monday! ☕️ The coffee pot will be on tea bags and hot chocolate packets also available.  No strings attached – just a chance to visit with others in the comfort of the high school and junior high rooms at St. Paul’s. at 9:00 am on Monday mornings.   If Winterset schools are delayed or closed because of the weather, we will not be meeting on Mondays that day.  

Sunday Bible Study:  Bible Study will meet at 11:00 a.m. following morning worship in the front most classroom near the church office. During the class, we invite questions, comments, and connections, as we expand upon the readings from the worship service. 

Larger Bulletins & Kids Bags: The ushers will have large print bulletins available.  St. Paul has kids’ bags to engage your child during church.  They are hanging on hooks by the entry doors or see the ushers.


Wildfires Disaster Relief. Your gifts to Lutheran Disaster Response equip LDR to respond to communities affected by wildfires and related disasters. These gifts also empower LDR to respond to disasters whenever and wherever they strike. Gifts to “U.S. Wildfires” will be used in full (100%) to assist those affected by wildfires until the response is complete. https://www.elca.org/our-work/relief-and-development/lutheran-disaster-response/our-impact/us-wildfires You may send your gifts directly to Lutheran Disaster Response, PO Box 1809, Merrifield, VA 22116-8009, or drop a check into the offering plate made out to LDR/Wildfires, and we’ll see that they receive it. 
ELCA Bishop Eaton asks us to join her in praying that God’s love and care be manifest among all who are impacted by these wildfires. Pray for the firefighters battling unrelenting blazes and for first responders, health care providers and public servants providing safety and support for those impacted. Pray for ELCA ministries as they care for the many needs of their communities. Pray for the long-term well-being of all who are affected by the widespread devastation and who face ongoing danger. 

Online Giving Update. St. Paul has changed our online giving to Servant Keeper, the program we also use for our Member Directory. This change will streamline our services and provide cost savings for online giving. 
How to Transition:
   – Step 1: Visit our church website at stpaullutheranchurch.net
   – Step 2: Look for the “Give” or “Online Giving” tab.
   – Step 3: Click on the link to access our new Servant Keeper Online Giving platform.
   – Step 4: Follow the instructions on the screen to create your account or log in if you already have a Servant Keeper account. 
Support and Assistance: For help in signing up, please contact Lisa Vossekuil at finances@stpaullutheranchurch.net or 920-979-0304. She is at the church most Sundays before and after worship to help you create your Servant Keeper account and log in. You may also set another time for your convenience and can even do it over the phone with Lisa. For a step-by-step Video Guide go to https://connect.servantkeeper.com/Z4u9o2E9

Annual Meeting. On Sunday, February 23, the Annual Meeting of the Congregation will be held at 10:30 following worship. We will elect council and church committee members, approve the 2025 church budget, receive reports of committees and ministry teams, and vote on the following Constitutional Amendment, which will bring our constitution into conformity with the Model Constitution of the ELCA. 
Amend C13.04 A Staff Parish Relations Committee
 Mutual Ministry Committee (in the absence of a mutual ministry committee, the duties shall be fulfilled by the executive committee) shall be jointly appointed by the president and the rostered minister. The term of office shall be two years, with two members to be appointed each successive  year. 



God Squad and Confirmation. Join us for God Squad and Confirmation at St. Paul’s Wednesday evening Christian Education Program for children and youth. Confirmation classes for 7th and 8th graders began Wednesday, September 4 and God Squad for 4-year-olds through 6th grade began September 11. A free meal is served at 5:30 pm; classes and fun activities are from 5:50-6:50 pm. All children are welcome to join at any time. You can register at St. Paul or online: https://forms.gle/rPaySYQDVGEW7LRo9   Blessings,-Amanda Turnquist


Transportation Ministry. Transportation ministry is providing rides home mainly for outpatient surgery patients who cannot secure another way home. There is a clipboard in the back of the church if you would like to add your name to the volunteers. The need is occasional but so much appreciated. Questions? Contact Chris Madison (515-468-0051)

Women Infants and Children Services.  WIC will be using St. Paul Church to support local families beginning Thursday, January 25.  This Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides federal grants to states for supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women, and to infants and children up to age 5 who are found to be at nutritional risk. We welcome these services to our fellowship hall every second and fourth Thursday of the month, from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.

Pill Bottle Donations – Matthew 25: Ministries –  Matthew 25: Ministries is an international medical relief organization. We can be a part of this by donating empty plastic pill bottles. All sizes, with plastic lids, are accepted. Please remove all labels. The donation box is located near the mailboxes at church. See the flyer at the church or contact Kim Patience with questions: kimpatience62@gmail.com

Matura Food Pantry: Our offering to the Matura Food Pantry is blessed the first Sunday of each month. Help us fill the shopping cart will non-perishable food, diapers, and even pet food. Checks made out to Matura Madison County or cash are also accepted.
 
St Paul Trust Fund.  The St. Paul Trust Fund was established in 1986 to provide Mission work outside the operational budget of the church. It supports needs locally, nationally and internationally on items such as supplying animals and tools overseas, supporting kids playgrounds to supporting youth summer camps. If you have questions, contact chairman Jim Nelson at jim@nelson.dev 

Furniture Ministry: St. Paul collects and gives home goods, furniture, and appliances to those in need. Contact Lisa Vossekuil (920-979-0304 or levossekuil@gmail.com) about any donations. Monetary gifts are also appreciated for our storage units.  The Furniture Ministry needs able bodies to help with picking up and delivering furniture on a Saturday morning (usually 9;00 – 10:00 a.m.).  Willing workers should contact Lisa (levossekuil@gmail.com) or  jim@nelson.dev.

Pool of Siloam: Pool of Siloam is St. Paul’s local benevolence program for Madison County residents that provides monetary support for those in need of such things as gas money or car repair, rent or mortgage assistance, and utility bills. In partnership with local agencies (CRISP, Matura, and Crisis Intervention), we annually serve over 100 individuals, including children. All giving to the Pool of Siloam is matched by an anonymous donor. Offerings to this program can be indicated on your giving envelope or online giving form. 

LifeServe Blood Drive: St. Paul hosts the community LifeServe Blood Drive every fourth Tuesday of the month. We are known for our home-baked goods and appreciate your donations of cookies and bars. Please bring them to the church by noon the day of the drive February 25, 2025 is the next scheduled blood drive.

Call for Cookies.  Cookies are always needed for Sunday morning services and the monthly blood drive.  They can be store bought or home-made and can be dropped off at anytime.  Jim asks that the cookies for the monthly blood drive be home-made.
Bible Study on First and Third Tuesday of the month at 9:00am.  We will be starting a new study in January 2025.  Everyone is welcome to come to this study at the quilting room / large classroom at the church.  If you are interested, please contact Linda Darling at 515-468-1131 or email ldarling1950@gmail.com

Prayer Chain: St. Paul has a group dedicated to the power of prayer. If you have a prayer request for the Prayer Chain, please share it with Jim Nelson (515-468-1675) jim@nelson.dev or Ann Bartelt annbartelt0204@gmail.com or the church office.  

St. Paul Choir. The Choir is always looking for new members.  Choir practice is held Wednesday evenings at 7:10 pm during the months of September-May and sing a couple times each month  during these times at Sunday morning service. Everyone is welcome to spread the good news through our music ministry. Questions may be directed to Sue Hansen, choir director, 515-468-0137.

Got Time? Got Talent? We Want You! We have a variety of opportunities available where you can showcase an existing talent or pursue an interest you have.  Do you have finance or organizational skills, like to show your concern for others, can teach others, or know your way around building maintenance?  All of these skills can be put to use on various St. Paul committees that need our time and talent. So, if you want to give back to our church, please contact the office and we’ll help find a way you can make a difference!   

Upcoming Worship Helpers February 9, 9:30 am 
Greeters/ Ushers: Dave Kauzlarich and Needed
Reader: Amanda Turnquist
Sound/ Screen/ Streaming: Cheryl Young
Musician: Sherri Briney
Counters: Lisa Vossekuil and Dean Bartelt
Communion Server: Kristi Swanson and Bonnie Fenimore and Barb Kellogg
Communion Bread:  Bonnie Fenimore
Acolytes/ Crucifer:  

Worship Service Helpers/Volunteers Needed!  Serving as a worship leader and helper is an excellent way to become better acquainted with our congregation. All are invited to serve in a variety of capacities: usher, reader, communion server, etc. Any introduction or training you may want for the positions is offered by Debi Martens debi.martens21@gmail.com 
3 Easy ways to sign up:
Use SignUpGenius! It’s easy to access at this link and will even send you a reminder of your commitment. 
Volunteer Kiosk: We have clipboards on the kiosks in the entryway for you to sign.
Call the Church office at 515-462-4270.

 

Church office phone: (515) 462-4270
Church office email:  Office@stpaullutheranchurch.net
Pastor Erick’s Email: Pastor@stpaullutheranchurch.net