| 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 Kathleen Wohlers will be preaching on Luke 2:15-21. . Here is a devotion from God Pause: A panicked teenager burst into my office, “Pastor Tom, I need to talk to you! My Mom and Dad are going to Hell because they don’t believe the right things.” Lisa had grown up in the church and was a thoughtful young person. A high school Christian group had filled her with some dreadful ideas. For many, it is easier to believe in a condemning God than a gracious Lord. Lisa’s Mom and Dad were people of faith, but, evidently, they had failed some theological test. Too many folks carry around an image of a vengeful God eager to cast them into the abyss, where there will be “weeping and gnashing of teeth” rather than a loving God reaching to gather them up into the comforting arms of grace. One of the church’s essential tasks is to paint a picture in people’s hearts of the “gracious deeds of our Lord.” Upcoming Worship Helpers January 1, 9:30 am Greeters/ Ushers: Chris Baumgam and Dulce Escobar Reader: Marty Knapp Sound/ Screen/ Streaming: Jacque Mohs Videographer: Lisa Vossekuil Musician: Georgine Bellamy Counters: Lisa Vossekuil and Wayne Martens Communion Bread: Debi Martens Communion Server: Barb Kellogg and Bonnie Fenimore Sunday Bible Study: Bible Study will meet 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. 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. |
Vitality Survey: Watch for a special email on Wednesday, January 4, that will include a link to the Vitality Survey that we will use in planning for our future, as well as calling a new pastor. The survey of 36 questions is to be completed individually by all congregants, including youth. Paper copies will be available on January 6 for those without internet access. All responses will be anonymous and compiled by the Synod.
Holiday Hop Success! The 2022 Holiday Hop was another great success! Thanks to all of you for your donations of your time and talents. A special shout out to the bakers, since we heard many comments while doing the Cookie Walk that they always come back year after year to purchase their favorites! We raised close to $3,000, and the proceeds were dispersed to: CRISP, Multi-Purpose Center, St. Paul’s Capital Campaign and two God Squad meals for 2023. Thank you for all of your support. We couldn’t do it without you! Liz Hansen and RoxAnn Rhoads, Co-Chairs Holiday Hop
2023 Offering Envelopes Delayed. We have received word that are offering envelopes for 2023 are delayed due to circumstances beyond our control. We will get them to you as soon as they arrive sometime in January.
Congregational Meetings. Mark your calendars for a special congregational meeting January 22 following worship. The Council will present constitutional changes, which require two votes, as well as nominate the Call Committee. Watch for more information after the first of the year.
The regular annual meeting will be held February 26 following worship. At that meeting, Council and Committee elections will be held, constitutional changes will be ratified, and year-end reports will be given. Your attendance is appreciated at these congregational meetings.
Adult Faith Fellowship. 2nd half of The Chosen. You are invited to join Adult Faith Fellowship Sunday evenings at 5:00 p.m. for four weeks, beginning January 8th through January 29th. In 2022 about 24 of us watched the first four episodes of The Chosen together. In January we will watch the last four episodes (one per week) followed by a light meal and guided small group discussions. All are welcome. If you haven’t seen the first 4 episodes we highly recommend you download the Chosen app (it’s free) and watch them before you join us for the last 4 episodes. For more information contact Brenda Hollingsworth at 515-468-8129.
Year End Giving. Anyone wanting to give to St. Paul in 2022 must have their contribution in the lockbox outside Pastor’s office no later than Friday, 12/30/22, at 4pm. At that time, Financial Secretary Lisa Vossekuil will pick up any monies in the lockbox, enter it into Servant Keeper so that the congregants will get credit, and then make the bank deposit. Questions may be addressed to finances@stpaullutheranchurch.net
Lutheran Study Bibles. There are extra Lutheran Study Bibles for sale at $36.00 each if anyone is interested in purchasing one.
Wednesday God Squad and Confirmation. Both God Squad (4 years-6th graders) and Confirmation (7-8th graders) began on September 14, as scheduled. Children and youth are welcome to join at any time. Please register God Squad participants at this link. You may also leave a message with the church 515-462-4270. The free meal for God Squad and Confirmation begins at 5:40, followed by the program and activity from 6:00-7:00 pm. Meal donations, both monetary and food, are gladly accepted. Please see Kim Patience about your donation, 515-468-0503. Meal serving volunteers are needed from 5:00-6:30pm; please use Sign-Up Genius to indicate your help. ALL are welcome!
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.
| 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. January 24, 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. |
| Thank you for the Christmas gift. Thank you so much for thinking of me during the Christmas Holiday. It’s been an honor to work in the office and help where I can. I appreciate all of you! Traci St. Paul Choir. The choir has begun its new season with rehearsals at 7:10pm Wednesday evenings. We are always looking for new members, and all singers are welcome. We hope to see you there! 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. 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 9:40 a.m. 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. 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! Upcoming Worship Helpers January 8, 9:30 am Greeters/ Ushers: LaRee and Marriah Allen Reader: Shirley Tallman Sound/ Screen/ Streaming: Jacque Mohs Videographer: Needed Musician: Clarice Blanchard Counters: Lisa Vossekuil and Dean Bartel Communion Bread: Jodi Lake Communion Server: 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 Kathleen Wohlers: : (608) 387-5015