| 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 John 9:1-41. Here is a devotion from God Pause: Luther Seminary grads are educated to lead Christian communities “called and sent to witness to salvation through Jesus Christ and serve in God’s world.” In John’s Gospel, salvation means life, eternal life, life in God’s kingdom, abundant life, starting now and continuing in the resurrection. The joy is not in how mortals get into heaven, but in both the physical life God gave in creation and the life in the Spirit. Eternal life is given to us now and forever in relationship with God, the source of life. Jesus is God’s way of loving us, our communities of faith, and the world. For life. This is God’s mystery: “the Word became flesh and lived among us” (1:14). There is no way for us earthly humans to ascend to God’s spiritual realm. But with Nicodemus, we ponder the amazing truth. God so loved, God gave, and God sent Christ Jesus to us, for us, for the world. Upcoming Worship Helpers March 19, 9:30 am Greeters/ Ushers: Fred Young and David Kauzlarich Reader: Cheryl Young Sound/ Screen/ Streaming: Lisa Vossekuil Videographer: Needed Musician: Georgine Bellamy Counters: Lisa Vossekuil and Steve Dick Communion Bread: Connie Tadlock Communion Server: Liz Hansen and Barb Kellogg Acolytes: Logan Moeller and Carson Cook 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. |
Easter Lilies. The Easter Lily order will be placed on March 22, 2023. The cost is $17.00 for a 6″ Easter lily.
You can have recognition in the announcements who you are honoring or remembering with your gift. You may indicate for the announcements who you are honoring or remembering with your lily gift.
The lilies will be delivered to the church and you are free to pick them up after Easter worship and plant them or give them away. Please sign up by March 22 at the following link:
https://www.signupgenius.com/
Your check may be placed in the locked box outside the office or turned into the office. Sign up today!
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 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 22 and 29. A meal will NOT be served March 15 during spring break as God Squad and Confirmation will NOT be in session.
Call Committee Activity. The Call Committee met three times in February, twice as a full committee and once to participate together in an online workshop. We will continue to join these weekly online meetings provided by the Bishop’s office because they equip us for the work of calling a pastor. We enlisted the help of several talented people to create a bulletin insert and slides telling how the congregation can participate in the process. We began work on the Ministry Site Profile. The congregation was invited to pin their home on a map, which helps us determine how far people drive to attend church at St Paul Lutheran Church. In March we will be analyzing data we received from the Vitality Survey and several other resources as we continue to create a narrative about who we are and where we believe God is taking us. The input of the congregation is always welcome. 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
Call to Prayer. We continue to emphasize the importance of the role of prayer in this Spiritual Journey of transition. Please pray for the Call Committee, the Church Council, Interim Pastor, Kathleen Wohlers, and our new Pastor. You can join us daily by praying this prayer: Almighty God, giver of all good gifts, you have given us grace to make our common prayer to you. Direct us Lord God, in this time of transition as we join in one prayer together. Grant to us in this time of searching, courage, patience, and vision and us we, we pray, as you will, but always to your glory and the welfare of your people. Guide our decisions as we do the work of calling a pastor. May we receive a faithful servant who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries. Through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen
Nominate a Pastor. The Call Committee is seeking names of potential candidates from the congregation. If you know of someone who may be a good fit for St Paul, please give that information to one of the Call Committee members. We will submit those names to the office of the bishop for consideration.
Annual meeting packets are available. Copies of the annual meeting are available on the ushers table or click on the link: . https://www.stpaullutheranchurch.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Annual-Meeting.pdf
Palm Sunday, Holy Week, and Easter Services.
St. Paul choir will perform their annual Palm Sunday cantata at 9:30 worship, April 2. Join us in worship as they sing “What Love is This? Suffering Servant – Conquering King.”
Maundy Thursday worship will be held at 7:00, April 6, at the First Christian Church.
Prayer Vigil will be held from 8:00 pm April 6 to 7:00 pm April 7 in St. Paul’s Chapel.
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 April 9 with a light breakfast before the service starting at 8:30 am and an Easter egg hunt after worship for the children.
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!
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. March 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 26, 9:30 am Greeters/ Ushers: Shirley Tallman and Marilyn Hansen Reader: Amanda Turnquist Sound/ Screen/ Streaming: Lisa Vossekuil Videographer: Needed Musician: Clarice Blanchard Counters: Lisa Vossekuil and Wayne Martens Communion Bread: Bonnie Fenimore Communion Server: John and Kim Patience Acolytes: Ainsley McLaren and Matthew Brakhane 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