Friday, December 12 Announcements

Worship with us, December 14, 9:30am.
Join us in person or on our YouTube channel.  Choir Cantata Service “Have You Heard?” by Joel Raney

Upcoming Worship Helpers December 14, 9:30 am 
Greeters/ Ushers: Dean Bartelt and Darrell Vossekuil
Reader: Christmas Cantata
Sound/ Screen/ Streaming: Eric Hoefing 
Musician:  Christmas Cantata
Counters: Lisa Vossekuil & Kim Patience
Communion Server: Debi Martens & Kara Ellingrod
Communion Bread: Kim Patience 
Acolytes/ Crucifer:  

Ignite the Spirit Pork Supper, Monday, December 15 from 5-7 pm.  Winterset FFA will be cooking and serving a meal to the community. Join us for a warm, complimentary meal—dine in or pick up. If you’re able to donate, wonderful; if not, please come anyway. You’re welcome here.

Advent Supper and Service. Wednesday, December 17th.  Supper will be served between 6:00pm-6:20pm.  7pm worship will follow.

Christmas Eve Service. December 24th at 5pm  There will be ONE Christmas Eve service on December 24th at 5:00 p.m.

Devotions from God Pause:  As the lectionary readings for the third week of Advent begin, we return to the prophet Isaiah, who offers poetic and hopeful words to a weary and exiled people. Isaiah speaks of a future shaped by restoration—where even the barren desert bursts into life. He uses the imagery of creation to proclaim the hopeful promise of the coming Messiah. Whether in a desert climate or in colder regions, parched or frozen, Isaiah reminds us of God’s already unfolding work of renewal, beauty, and peace: “Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God.” (Isaiah 35:4)Take time today to notice the quiet signs of God’s presence. Whether in nature, in others, or within your own heart, these glimpses remind us: God is still at work, restoring, renewing, and redeeming all things—even in the wilderness.

Monday morning Coffee Fellowship has been POSTPONED for the month of December.   We are not going to have Monday morning coffee in December. We will start again in January after the holidays. A reminder: IF Winterset schools are delayed or canceled, we will not have coffee either those days.

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. 


Help is needed for those experiencing hunger in Madison County.  Donations of the following items would be most appreciated:
canned fruits and vegetables
peanut butter and jelly
pasta and sauce
cereal
soups
macaroni and cheese
Also, shampoo and deodorant 
You may place your contribution in the grocery cart.  A basket will be included for monetary donations.  Checks should be made payable to MATURA.

Choir.  Choir practices on Wednesdays, September-May at 7:10pm- 8:15pm.  All are welcome. 

Severe Weather.  As the winter season is upon us, our church follows the school closings.  If Winterset schools are closed or dismiss early due to weather, there will be NO church activities.  For weekend services and for general purposes, please use your own judgement. 
 
Upcoming Worship Helpers December 21, 9:30 am 
Greeters/ Ushers:  NEEDED
Reader: Lisa Vossekuil 
Sound/ Screen/ Streaming: Wayne Martens  
Musician:  Georgine Bellamy 
Counters: Lisa Vossekuil & Jen Acton 
Communion Server: Leon Schwartz & Miriam Lutz 
Communion Bread:  Kim Patience 
Acolytes/ Crucifer:  

Upcoming Community Events:
Live Nativity at the Historical Complex:  Sunday, December 21 & Monday, December 22, 6pm-8pm

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:
1. Use SignUpGenius! It’s easy to access at this link and will even send you a reminder of your commitment. 
2. Volunteer Kiosk: We have clipboards on the kiosks in the entryway for you to sign.
3. Call the Church office at 515-462-4270.



God Squad and Confirmation.  God Squad and Confirmation classes are Wednesday evenings at 5:30 pm.   All children are welcome to join at any time. You can register at St. Paul. or use this link https://groupdynamic.wufoo.com/forms/kjdv8uc19y7z5q/  Blessings,-Amanda Turnquist


For more detailed information on services within our church, click on the link below.
Transportation Ministry 
Women Infants and Children Services (WIC)
Pill Bottle Donations
Matura Food Pantry
St Paul Trust Fund
Furniture Ministry
Pool of Siloam
LifeServe Blood Drive
Women’s Bible Study, First and Third Tuesday of the month, 9:00am.  We meet in 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 dedicated prayer ministry. If you have a prayer request for the Prayer Chain, please share it with Ann Bartelt annbartelt0204@gmail.com or the church office.     

 

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