| 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 Monday. Pastor Ioan Ittu will be preaching Luke 13:10-17 , and here is a devotion from God Pause: Issues such as abortion, homosexuality, and vaccinations have caused divisions in our society even between family members. Christian people have strong views on both sides of those issues and have become increasingly critical and even hateful toward those whose views differ from their own. Is this what Jesus meant when he said he would cause divisions? I’m not sure. I do know divisions have been a part of human existence from the beginning. I wonder if Jesus’ fire of judgment is not so much against divisions but all the hate that is generated toward other people. Maybe we should change the song to “They will know we are Christians by our hate?” Yes, divisions are and always will be a part of life, but can’t love be exhibited in the midst of divisions even in families? After all, didn’t Jesus call on us to “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you?” (Mathew 5:43b) Sunday Bible Study: Bible Study meets at 10:45 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. Upcoming Worship Helpers August 21, 9:30 am Greeters/Ushers: Shirley Tallman and Brooke Davis; Reader :Cheryl Young; Sound, Screen, & Streaming: Wayne Martens Videographer: Debi Martens ; Musician: Video; Counters: Steve Dick and Lisa Vossekuil; Communion Bread: Genelle Thompson Communion Servers: Bonnie Fenimore and Marilyn Mount 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. What’s New & Mark Your Calendars Responding with God’s Grace Free Will Offering. Showing our compassion and God’s love for the family of Gage Walter, who was in our church the morning of August 14, the Congregation Council has decided that we will take a free will offering Sunday, August 21. The Omaha World-Herald quoted Walter’s father as saying Walter is mentally ill and had been released from jail recently despite the father’s warning that Walter was a danger to the community. The offering will be forwarded to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI Nebraska) in memory of Marceline Teeters, 93, and Linda Walter, 70, of Omaha, grandmother and great-grandmother of Gage. Call for Cookies. Our supply of cookies for Sunday mornings and our monthly blood drives needs to be replenished. Due to the event of August 14 and following the advice of law enforcement, we had to destroy what was saved. The next blood drive will be August 23, so the need is immediate. Thanks to all the cookie bakers who support our outreach. Meals from the Heartland – Annual Hunger Fight! Start your Labor Day weekend off right! St. Paul will be packaging meals on Saturday, September 3 from 9-11:00 am. We will meet at the church at 8:00 to carpool to Hy-Vee Hall in downtown Des Moines. All volunteers need to be at least 8 years old. Please wear comfortable shoes as you will be standing for 2 hours. Volunteer with Team St. Paul and make a difference at this important event! Please respond to georginebellamy@aol.com to reserve your spot. Semi-annual Meeting: The informational packet will be available here and there will be printed copies on the table outside the office. URGENT DEADLINE for Member Information Update!!! To coincide with our new picture directory, it’s time to update our congregation’s directory with current and accurate information for you and your family. 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 by August 28. We want all members to be included in the directory so please get your information submitted ASAP! God’s Work Our Hands Our Feet – Sunday, September 25, 2022. St. Paul will participate in the ELCA God’s Work Our Hands day of service on September 25, 2022. We have tentatively identified projects within the community to show our neighborly love. These projects involve general outside cleanup at private residences and on city sidewalks; things like weeding, trimming, raking, power washing, tree cleanup, and simple repairs. Please join hands for God’s work; ALL are welcome! You will be assigned to a team based upon your desired level of activity, and a team captain will reach out to you to confirm your activity. The day will start with a special worship service and blessing at 9:30. We will then go out into the community to provide service between 10:30 and 12:30. Lunch will be served from 12:30-1:30. You may volunteer to help and reserve a T-shirt (they are the same as last year’s) at this link NO LATER than AUGUST 29. https://forms.gle/nWAHnaaRMfq4MLTw5 You may address questions to Ann at annbartelt0204@gmail.com or 515-418-3565. You may also choose to participate in the CROP Walk, which will follow with registration at 2:00 and the walk at 3:00, thus God’s Work Our Feet! We look forward to participating in “God’s Work Our Hands Our Feet” day of service, joining over 9,100 ELCA congregations across the country. Thousands of members will engage in service work to make a positive change in our communities, build and deepen relationships, and share God’s love. Join us as we do God’s work with our hands and feet! |
Adult Faith Formation. Family Fun Day #3, Stay tuned to future communication for the rescheduled September date.
Wednesday God Squad: If you are called to support children in knowing God and Jesus in their lives, consider becoming a part of St. Paul’s God Squad program. We can use your help as a teacher, substitute teacher, or activity leader. Please contact any Council member to speak with them about this opportunity: Jacque Mohs, Ann Bartellt, Rana Scarlett, Tom Acton, Ted Leonard, Cheryl Young, Beth Sunds, Dave Stewart, and Mark Hollingsworth. Mark 9:36-37 tells us: Jesus took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”
Youth Committee: Busy working for the St Paul Lutheran Church Youth! Please look for changes & events this Summer & moving forward. We are currently working on August & September. The newly formed Luther League, Grades 5th through 12th, will have opportunities to grow together as a group, have some fun & share some memories made together.
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 REAND0508@aol.com
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 N.(jnelson91@q.com) to let them know availability.
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. August 23, 2022 is the next scheduled blood drive.
Lion’s Bags to Benches: Winterset Lions are collecting and recycling plastic bags to earn benches to donate to the community. The goal is to collect in a six-month period 500 pounds of plastic film and bags. With that, the Lions will receive one bench to donate to the community Look for recycle bins at Ben Franklin, Covered Bridge Realty, the Methodist Church, Sports Page, with more to come.
Ongoing Transportation Ministry: St. Paul’s transportation ministry helps families who have are in need of transportation to appointments. Our current recipients are Ronnie and Shirley Addy who need transportation to Ronnie’s kidney dialysis three days a week in south Des Moines at Fresenius Kidney Care, 6651 SW 9th Street. He needs to be picked up no later than 9:20 at North Ward, 415 N. 2nd Street, Winterset, at the south door of the east building. Pick-up is at 2:30 p.m. at the Fresenius Kidney Care. Ronnie is unable to get into a high vehicle. Please contact Shirley with any questions 515-468-0121. Ronnie’s cell is 515-468-1982. Please use SignUpGenius to indicate when you are willing to drive Ronnie. Note you may sign up to take him, return him, or do both. Please include your cell phone number in the comments. This is a long-term ministry, so check back often as SignUpGenius is updated Member Information Update. To coincide with our new picture directory, it’s time to update our congregation’s directory with current and accurate information for you and your family. 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. Free Sunshine! If you would like to help mow the church lawn this season, and get your dose of Vitamin D, please use Sign Up Genius to sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/ Thank you! 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, give Jacque a call at 515-468-1899, and she’ll help find a way you can make a difference! Prayer Chain. St. Paul has a group dedicated to the power of prayer, with faith and action following the words of 1 John 5:14, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” If you have a prayer request for the Prayer Chain, please share it with Twila Seibert (515-462-1505) or Jim Nelson (jnelson91@q.com) or the church office. Thank you, Twila, for organizing our calling tree and Jim for giving notice of prayer needs by email. If you feel called to intentionally pray for others, please contact Twila Seibert or Jim Nelson to be added to the praying group. Upcoming Worship Helpers August 28, 9:30 am Greeters/Ushers: Needed; Reader :Needed; Sound, Screen, & Streaming: Wayne Martens Videographer: Needed ; Musician: Video; Counters: Wayne Martens and Lisa Vossekuil; Communion Bread: Liz Hansen Communion Servers: 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 and Pat Nelson are 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 Ioan Ittu email: Pastorioan@stpaullutheranchurch.net
Pastoral Emergencies: 515-419-5224