| 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 on John 1:29-42. . Here is a devotion from God Pause: Us vs them. Friend vs enemy. Republican vs Democrat. White vs non-white. Straight vs LGBTQIA2S+. Followers of Jesus vs all others. Peter had boundaries figured out. Then he had a mid-day vision. Three times! Clean vs unclean. Acceptable vs unacceptable. Then Peter heard a voice, “What God has made clean, you must not call profane.” Boundaries did not hold. (Acts 10:9-16) Peter got it. Even though he had spent time with Jesus he had not understood the radical non-conforming life of Jesus until he had this vision, heard this voice: “I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.” (vv. 34-35) How often do we look at others through the lenses of rules or sameness or conformity, drawing boundaries, building barriers? Jesus looked through the lenses of love and saw all as beloved children of God. Peter finally understood. May we too receive that gift! Upcoming Worship Helpers January 15, 9:30 am Greeters/ Ushers: Jason and Teri Stolte Reader: Jason Stolte Sound/ Screen/ Streaming: Lisa Vossekuil Videographer: Needed Musician: Eric Turnquist Counters: Lisa Vossekuil and Kim Patience Communion Bread :Kim Patience Communion Server: Jason and Nicole Darling 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. |
Constitution Announcement: The Congregation Council presents to you proposed changes to our Constitution, which will be voted upon January 22 at a special meeting and ratified February 26 at the annual meeting of the congregation. Your attention to this document, as well as your attendance at the meetings, are much appreciated. Much thanks goes to Leon Schwartz for all his work on our Constitution. Please do not hesitate to contact Council members Jacque Mohs, Ann Bartelt, Dave Stewart, Ted Leonard, Cheryl Young, Rana Scarlet, Tom Acton, Beth Sunds, and Mark Hollingsworth with your questions.
Here is a summary of the changes:A vast majority of the changes are in the wording to bring our Constitution in alignment with the Synod Model Constitution. These updates in language and Synod policy are made every three years. Because these changes are from the Model Constitution, they need only one vote to be adopted.
The Council recommends that we adopt Synod language for C10.01, which states we will have one regular meeting a year. This is consistent with the laws of the State of Iowa. Related to this change, note that in C12.09, the Congregation Council shall submit a comprehensive report to this congregation at least twice a year, including at the annual meeting. This change requires two votes by the congregation.
A second change recommended by the Council occurs in C12.05, increasing the authority of the Council to enter into contracts of up to $10,000 from $3,000 for items not included in the budget. As costs for such things as the HVAC system have become more expensive, this change will allow the Council to provide for our immediate needs. This change requires two votes by the congregation.
Click on this link to see the document in its entirety. Copies will also be available on the ushers table with the new year. The Call Committee will also be elected at this special meeting January 22.
The Christmas decorations are being taken down Saturday, January 14th at 9 am. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Pastor Lisa Klein Goodwin. Former Pastor Lisa Klein Goodwin passed away January 4, 2023. She served as St. Paul’s pastor 1989-1993. We ask for your prayers for her husband Stephen (Bloomington, IL) and her family. Her obituary can be viewed at this link. Cards may be mailed to Stephen at 2608 Rainbow Ave. Unit 2, Bloomington, IL 61704.
Synod Giving Information. For many years St. Paul has called the money that goes to the SE Iowa ELCA Synod as ELCA Mission Support. This was reflected on the offering envelopes, online giving, and giving statements. St. Paul members also give offerings to the Synod that go to specific missions. In total these offerings are termed Bene/Mission on our financial statements.
During the 2022 annual meeting, the congregation voted to establish Synod Support as a line item in the budget and give a set amount to the Synod each month. As a result of that decision, any offering earmarked for ELCA Mission Support went into the general budget to be used for the monthly giving to the Synod. This Mission Support is about 4.5% of our total budget.
Due to the congregation’s decision in 2022, you will see that the line for ELCA Mission Support has been removed from the online giving platform and from the offering envelopes. We ask that anyone using the online system update their designations to reflect this change that the ELCA Synod Support is part of the general operating budget. Any questions may be addressed to Lisa Vossekuil, financial secretary or Wayne Martens, church treasurer.
Transition Update: The Council is addressing the Bishop’s recommendations for our congregation in preparation for calling a new pastor. Sunday, January 15, from 11:00-1:00 following worship, we will have training with Leon Schwartz for the Council and for anyone who wishes to attend. This training will address our various roles and functions as a council, the elected committees, ministry teams, and our staff. Our goal is to understand how we can better govern and fulfill our mission of responding to God’s grace in Christ. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Congregational Vitality Survey
As part of our transition process in calling a new pastor, we ask that you participate in a Church Vitality Survey. The purpose of this survey is to gather your input to inform planning for St. Paul’s future. The survey is open to everyone, including youth. Paper copies are available on the ushers table beginning January 8. Please complete the survey by January 22. Your voice is important to us, and we do appreciate your participation. If you have any questions about the survey, please contact Ann Bartelt, Council vice-president, annbartelt0204@gmail.com or 515-418-3565.
Here is the survey link for the congregation:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfmlDAwcbSHfl4H3OKz27B2qTaSN9c5bFWW3ml5OiYuWuFukA/viewform
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.
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.
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 22, 9:30 am Greeters/ Ushers: Marilyn Hansen and Shirley Tallman Reader: Debi Martens Sound/ Screen/ Streaming: Lisa Vossekuil Videographer: Needed Musician: Clarice Blanchard Counters: Lisa Vossekuil and Jen Acton Communion Bread: Debi Martens Communion Server: Ted Leonard and Kara Ellingrod 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