| Come worship with us at 9:30. Join us in person or or watch our livestream Sunday morning on our YouTube channel , or view the service on the YouTube channel on Sunday, September 3. Pastor Heidi Williams will be preaching on Matthew 16:21-28 . Here is a devotion from God Pause: There seems to be some risk in this talk about holding the keys of the kingdom. What’s up with this matter of binding and loosening? What about Law and Gospel? Isn’t it up to God to be judge and jury? Sounds like something that could be easily abused. Our wars over religion teach us that whatever you want to bind on earth had best be carefully and humbly considered! Or else it could become a thin veil for abusive power or even ruthless striving for dominance rather than harmony. Yet, there has to be some way for justice to prevail for all. For the victim and justice, I understand the need to bind. Sin needs restraint. For the freedom of forgiveness, I understand the need to loose. We still cling to the mystery of God’s final word, while realizing at the same time we need the honest law, true justice, and fair compassion for all here on earth. Humility helps. Upcoming Worship Helpers September 3rd, 9:30 am Greeters/ Ushers: Tim & Jacque Mohs Reader: Amanda Turnquist Sound/ Screen/ Streaming: Wayne Martens Musician: Clarice Blanchard Counters: Lisa Vossekuil and Kim Patience Communion Server: Debi Martens & Marilyn Mount Communion Bread: Marilyn Mount Acolytes: Needed 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. |
Faith in the Future, Imaging the Next Chapter. At the semi-annual meeting August 20, I reported to the membership our campaign totals. I am happy to update that number as several additional pledges have come in. The congregation has supported this effort, responding with pledges totaling $57,720! The campaign goal was $70,000 so that represents 82% of the goal. Even more wonderful is the quick response many members have made by already paying a substantial amount. To date, we have received just under $25,000. As a result, we have been able to reduce the trust fund loan rapidly. That, in turn, puts God’s bountiful blessings back to work to advance His Kingdom. If you haven’t had a chance to make a pledge, there is still time. Please pick up a card at the ushers’ table and turn it in. Praise God! Capital Campaign Chair- Wayne Martens
Matthew 25: Ministries – Pill Bottle Donations. Matthew 25: Ministries is an international relief organization that supports medical missions. We can be a part of this by donating empty plastic pill bottles. All sizes, with plastic lids, are accepted. Please remove all outside labels. See the flyer at the church; the donation box is located near the mailboxes. Contact Kim Patience with any questions: kimpatience62@gmail.com
Transportation Ministry. Volunteers are needed for a new phase of our Transportation Ministry. Some Madison County Hospital patients need transportation after outpatient surgery. For those who are unable to secure their own ride home, St. Paul volunteer drivers would be scheduled in advance. Jim Nelson already stepped forward and drove a patient last week. If you are willing to help shuttle, please sign up at church or contact Chris Madison at 515-468-0051.
Confirmation. Confirmation is scheduled to begin August 30 with a parent meeting; classes will start September 6. Please use the education registration form available at this link or at the church. Watch for communication from Pastor Heidi with the details.
God Squad Registration. God Squad will begin Wednesday, September 13, for 4- year-olds through sixth graders. Please register your children by Friday, September 11 by downloading the form at this link or picking up a form at the church. Sign-up on Signup Genius to help in the kitchen.
God’s Work Our Hands. GWOH is the ELCA day of service across the country, in which we, as one Church, are freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor. Join the St Paul family in two-hour projects, following worship on September 10 and ending with lunch at the church at 1:00 pm. We will help those in need, working on gardens and lawns, doing simple home repairs and clean up, assisting our furniture ministry; and children will deliver care cards. Sign up at church by September 1or contact Ann Bartelt at annbartelt0204@gmail.com or 515-418-3565.
Church Choir. Our church choir will start on Wednesday, September 13th at 7:10pm
Holiday Hop Preparations. It may seem early, but it’s not! It’s time to begin preparations for our annual Holiday Hop, November 18! Calling all crafters and bakers and helpers. Please contact Liz Hansen (515-462-3987) or RoxAnn Rhoads (515-468-8239) with your materials and ideas and availability. Raised funds support local missions.
Pictorial Directory: Our church directory is close to being printed! Thanks for both your patience and your inclusion in our directory. If all goes well, we should have our printed directories by the end of September. If you are interested in purchasing one, please sign up at church or contact Cheryl Young at 515-770-5806. The cost is dependent upon how many we order, and we anticipate it being between five and ten dollars. You are under no obligation to purchase a copy. In the meantime, we have our pictorial directory on the website and to access names and contact information from our online directory Servant Keeper, see Lisa Vossekuil or contact her at finances@stpaullutheranchurch.net
Pastoral care. Please feel free to contact our new Pastor, Heidi Williams, with any pastor cares you need. Her cell number is 515-450-0490
Call Committee Activity. The Ministry Site Profile is a summary that tells about St Paul Lutheran Church, what’s important to us and how we bear witness to Christ’s love in our community. The Call Committee wrote this narrative about St Paul with the help of each of you who participated in surveys and interviews. The Ministry Site Profile (MSP) was submitted on May 25th and approved by the office of the Bishop on June 2nd.
Here’s a small portion called the “Summary Description” we submitted:
St Paul Lutheran Church is a small but mighty church with a big dream to have a healthy church culture, one that changes lives. We believe our primary calling as a congregation is to love God and love people. This congregation will welcome a pastor who loves the Lord, Jesus Christ, and spends sufficient time alone with God to sustain the work of the ministry, by living out of a cup that overflows; one who is willing to train and partner with us in the work of evangelism; who is willing to walk together with us as we learn a theology of grieving; who is willing to faithfully bear with us as we struggle to yield in the areas where God is at work transforming us.
Now we wait, knowing that God is leading us into a season of waiting and listening and trusting. While you’re waiting and listening and trusting please remember to pray for discernment for your Call Committee and for the Church Council.
Lutheran Study Bibles. There are extra Lutheran Study Bibles for sale at $36.00 each if anyone is interested in purchasing one.
Youth Committee: The newly formed Luther League, Grades 5th through 12th, will have opportunities to grow together as a group, have some fun, and share memories made together. Suggestions and questions may be addressed to Clarice Blanchard and Ted Leonard. Please watch for future youth events.
| Senior Center Volunteers. Volunteers are needed to deliver meals for the Senior Center. It takes approximately 45 minutes and the schedule is flexible. To assist with this or learn more, please call 515.462.1334. Thank you. 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’s Trust Fund: The Trust Fund committee, elected by the congregation, supports mission projects ranging from national and international disaster relief, congregants’ mission trips, and camping scholarships for youth and children. Please contact Chair, Dick Anderson with any questions or suggestions for mission support at ande0508@gmail.com. Please note that this is Dick’s new email. 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. (jim@nelson.dev) to let them know availability. Please note that this is Jim’s new email. Pool of Siloam: Pool of Siloam is St. Paul’s local benevolence program 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 September 26, 2023 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. |
| Church Directory. St. Paul’s family photo directory is posted on our website, stpaullutheranchurch.net. Find it under the About tab and enjoy! We will be able to add photos as they become available. We also have an online directory, Servant Keeper, that provides contact information of our members and is a valuable tool for connecting with each other. Secure to our constituents, Servant Keeper is password protected for each individual and for access to the complete directory. The information of families and individuals is only what you provide and allow to be seen. Email Lisa Vossekuil if you would like an account at finances@stpaullutheranchurch.net. Are you a new member or need to update your information? Please take a few minutes to complete the online form or pick up a paper copy at the usher table and turn it in to the office. 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 Twila Seibert (515-462-1505) or Ann Bartelt (annbartelt0204@gmail.com) or the church office. 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 September 10, 9:30 am Greeters/ Ushers: Fred Young and David Kauzlarich Reader: Cheryl Young Sound/ Screen/ Streaming: Lisa Vossekuil Musician: Clarice Blanchard Counters: Lisa Vossekuil and Bonnie Fenimore Communion Server: Barb Kellogg and Darrell Vossekuil Communion Bread: Needed Acolytes: Needed Worship Service Helpers/Volunteers Needed! If you are able and willing, we need your help in returning our 9:30 service to “normalcy.” It’s important that all of the positions be filled. Worship team members Debi Martens is available for any “training” you may want. 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 Heidi Williams: (515) 450-0490