| Worship with us, December 29, 9:30am. Join us in person or on our YouTube channel. Pastor Erick will preach on God’s calling of Mary. Upcoming Worship Helpers December 29, 9:30 am Greeters/ Ushers: Fred Young and Dave Kauzlarich Reader: Amanda Turnquist Sound/ Screen/ Streaming: Wayne Martens Musician: Georgine Bellamy Counters: Lisa Vossekuil and Kim Patience Communion Server: John and Kim Patience Communion Bread: Kim Patience Acolytes/ Crucifer: Devotions from God Pause Of all the Scriptures we tend to read in Advent, this one may just be the most joyful. The delight that Mary and Elizabeth take in each other—and that the children in their wombs share!—is practically breathtaking. I like to imagine the two women gathered together in the evening after the day’s work was done, sharing their hopes and fears about their pregnancies, motherhood, and the extraordinary circumstances they were experiencing. It is while Mary is at Elizabeth’s house that she is moved to sing her “Magnificat,” testifying to the wonders of God. This beautiful scene is an important affirmation that we need one another. The joyful relationships in our lives—even the ones across great distances or great hardships—deserve to be tended well. Is there someone in your life you’ve fallen out of touch with simply because of distance, inconvenience, or changing circumstances? Let the love between Mary and Elizabeth inspire you to reach out this Advent season. “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 8:30 am on Monday mornings. If Winterset schools are delayed or closed because of the weather, we will not be meeting on Mondays that day. Starting January 6, 2025, the meeting time will change to 9:00 am on Mondays. 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. |
Youth Hockey Outing. Date: Sunday, January 26th. Time: 3:00pm. Where: Wells Fargo Arena. What: Iowa Wild Hockey Game. Open invitation to all junior high and high school kids at St Paul. A ticket to the game, a drink, and hotdog will all be provided. There will also be an after game free skate on the ice for those interested. Please contact the church office, or call/text Tom Acton if interested at 515-991-0167. A count of those going will be needed by January 13th, so please let Tom know ASAP.
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) Lutheran Disaster Response. Gifts to Lutheran Disaster Response equip the ELCA Synod to respond to any disasters, whenever and wherever they strike. Currently, Floridians and citizens in other southeastern states are recovering from the devastation of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. With your help, Lutheran Disaster Response supports the millions of people affected by these storms. Please use this link to donate directly: https://give.elca.org/page/68904/donate/1 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 December 30, 2024 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 Holiday Hop. The Holiday Hop brought in $3500.00 this year so far. I dispersed $3000.00 towards the purchase of the new lawn mower and $200.00 to Furniture Ministry. I usually save some $ back to purchase pizzas for God Squad a couple of times a year and for any supplies we may need for our next Hop. Thanks to all who pitched in and helped with project!! Liz Hansen Operation Christmas Child. Thank you to all of you who donated time, effort, and expense to fill a Christmas box for a child in need. We had 25 boxes from St. Paul. The Trust Fund graciously donated the $10 postage for each box. Your love of Christ shines through! 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 January 5, 9:30 am Greeters/ Ushers: Needed Reader: Cheryl Young Sound/ Screen/ Streaming: Jacque Mohs Musician: Praise Band Counters: Lisa Vossekuil and Dean Bartelt Communion Server: Needed Communion Bread: Needed 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