| 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 Matthew 4:1-11. Here is a devotion from God Pause: Peter, James, and John experience the transfigured Jesus in all his glory, and also see the giant Old Testament figures, Moses and Elijah, speaking to Jesus. As they are overshadowed by a cloud, they hear the voice of God saying; “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” Listen to Jesus! Those are important words for us as we prepare to move into the season of Lent. Mid-week Lenten services have long been an important part of my life, with time set apart to focus on what Jesus says as he journeys toward the cross. The Festival of the Transfiguration, standing at the beginning of Lent, allows us to glimpse in advance the glorified Jesus, and so to journey with this image and promise as we are transformed into faithful followers of Jesus. Remember: Listen to Jesus. Upcoming Worship Helpers February 26, 9:30 am Greeters/ Ushers: Beth Sunds Reader: Troy Gwinner Sound/ Screen/ Streaming: Wayne Martens Videographer: LIsa Vossekuil Musician: Eric Turnquist Counters: Lisa Vossekuil and Kim Patience Communion Bread: Erin Gwinner Communion Server: Debi Martens 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. |
Souper Bowl of Caring. Thank you for your contributions to ELCA World Hunger appeal. $659 was passed on to the ELCA to support meaningful solutions that get at the root causes of hunger across the world.
Lent Services. Our worship for Lent will focus on the suffering and sacrificial death of Jesus Christ while we reflect on our own need for forgiveness. Come witness a five-part modern day courtroom drama that depicts the punishment phase of Judas Iscariot, who has already pled guilty to a crime against Jesus. The story of Judas’ betrayal and confession holds in tension the judgement of God on one hand and the free grace of God on the other. As a member of the jury, you will determine if Judas will receive mercy or eternal punishment. Lent services will be at 7:00 March 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29.
Lent Supper. Please join us for a time of fellowship and a meal during Lent. Serving will be from 6:00-6:20. Sign up to participate in furnishing and serving the meal on the usher table clipboards. Meals will be served March 1, 8, 22, 29. A meal will NOT be served March 15 during spring break as God Squad and Confirmation will NOT be in session.
Palm Sunday, Holy Week, and Easter Services.
St. Paul choir will perform their annual Palm Sunday cantata at 9:30 worship, April 2.
Maundy Thursday worship will be held at 7:00, April 6, at the First Christian Church.
Good Friday service will be at 7:00, April 7, at the First Presbyterian Church, with Pastor Kathleen preaching.
Easter Sunday worship will be at 9:30 with a light breakfast before the service.
40-40-40 Lent Challenge Practices for a Good Cause. The Grand Canyon Synod and the Southeastern Iowa Synod are partner synods in the U.S. and in 2023 the two synods are challenging one another to raise money for ELCA World Hunger for Lent. The challenge is to pledge to participate in some spiritual and physical practices (daily devotions, decluttering, wellness activities) during Lent and raise some money for ELCA World Hunger. The synod with the most people to participate wins! Learn more about this and sign up at https://communications9676.wixsite.com/synodlentchallenge.
Call Committee Activity. The Call Committee met Monday, January 30th. We all agree inviting God’s presence through prayer is foundational to our work. We set a schedule for attending online training workshops; made a list of ways we will keep the congregation informed of our progress; and talked about ways to gather information from the congregation to write the Ministry Site Profile. for additional information please see this https://www.stpaullutheranchurch.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Monthly-Call-Com-Announcement-for-Bulletin-revised2_5_23.pdf
Adult Faith Fellowship presents: The Prayer Course An eight week journey Through the Lord’s Prayer. Prayercourse.org This program will start on Sunday, March 5th 2023 from 5:00 to 6:30 P.M. During this season of transition at St Paul, Strengthening our ability to pray as individuals And joining our hearts together in prayer as a congregation Will be important now and also in the days ahead. Classes will start in the sanctuary with a video, followed by discussion and snacks in the Fellowship Hall. Class dates are: March 5, 12, 19, 26 and April 2, 16, 23, 30. All are welcome!
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. Copies of the annual meeting will be available to pick up on the ushers table next week or click on the link: . https://www.stpaullutheranchurch.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Annual-Meeting.pdf
Wednesday God Squad and Confirmation. Both God Squad (4 years-6th graders) and Confirmation (7-8th graders) meet Wednesday evenings for a free meal, followed by the program and activity from 6:00-7:00pm. We thank and are very grateful for our volunteer teachers and youth helpers. The last Wednesday for classes will be April 12. Confirmation Sunday will be April 16.
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.
| 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. February 28, 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. |
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. 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 March 5, 9:30 am Greeters/ Ushers: Needed Reader: Needed Sound/ Screen/ Streaming: Lisa Vossekuil Videographer: Needed Musician: Needed Counters: Lisa Vossekuil and Jen Acton Communion Bread: Needed 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 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 Kathleen Wohlers: : (608) 387-5015