| 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 Tony Nester will be preaching on1 Corinthians 2:1-16. Here is a devotion from God Pause: Here in the season of Epiphany, we encounter the Beatitudes, which begin Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount according to Matthew. Clearly well-loved, they teach the contrast between human nature and Christian principles. I have often referred to them as the “be-attitudes,” how Jesus illumines our understanding of his message. Enlightenment is very much an Epiphany theme, and the Beatitudes are kind of an attitude-check that leads us to ask that burning question: “What is the secret to being ‘blessed,’ to finding true happiness?” Is it in fame, fortune, and material pursuits? No, claims Jesus; it comes through surrendering our spirit, griefs, and weaknesses to God’s love and grace. It is found through extending mercy and peace to others, through living out a commitment to righteousness in the face of all obstacles. This counter-cultural message may seem difficult to grasp, but to those who have put their trust in Jesus, the reward is a sense of blessing and happiness, as well as confidence in the life to come. May you be blessed today! Upcoming Worship Helpers February 5, 9:30 am Greeters/ Ushers: Dick and Mary Anderson Reader: Mariah Allen Sound/ Screen/ Streaming: Jacque Mohs Videographer: Needed Musician: Clarice Blanchard Counters: Lisa Vossekuil and Steve Dick Communion Bread: Rainy Gibbons Communion Server: Marilyn Mount and Barb Kellogg 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. Keeping with a St. Paul tradition on Super Bowl Sunday, we will take a special offering for ELCA World Hunger. From health clinics to microloans, food pantries to soup kitchens, advocacy to community organizing, across 63 countries, including the United States, our gifts support meaningful solutions that get at the root causes of hunger. Checks may be written to ELCA World Hunger and will be collected during worship.
Transition and Call Committee Update. St. Paul’s Call Committee was elected by the congregation at the special meeting Sunday, January 22. The members are Georgine Bellamy, Lilly Burkett, Sydney Conrad-Cook, Troy Gwinner, Liz Hansen, Brenda Hollingsworth, and John Patience. Pastor Dan Kuckuck will be with us Sunday, January 29, for worship, fellowship, and meeting with the Call Committee. Pastor Dan serves as an Assistant to the Bishop and manages the areas of mobility and call process and rostered minister leadership
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.
SE Iowa Synod Mission Report. The 2022 Mission Spending Annual Report from our Synod is now available. The report is intended to help us see, at a glance, the impact of our congregation’s mission support from 2022. St. Paul’s Mission Support represents about 4.5% of our total budget. To see the financial impact of our giving and read stories of our ministry, view the full report at this link or pick up a copy on the ushers’ table.
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 February 12, 9:30 am Greeters/ Ushers: Needed Reader: Amanda Turnquist Sound/ Screen/ Streaming: Needed Videographer: Needed Musician: Georgine Bellamy Counters: Lisa Vossekuil and Wayne Martens Communion Bread: Genelle Thompson 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