Friday, September 29 Announcements

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 Sunday, October 1. Pastor  Dan Kuckuck will be preaching on Matthew 21:23-32 . Here is a devotion from God Pause:  Russell Moore, editor-in-chief of Christianity Today, recently expressed his concern that a growing number of people who say they are Christian are calling Jesus’ teachings “liberal talking points” and challenging the truths in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount—as if returning the situation of the church of the 1st century, facing challenges and even persecution from the world around them because of their beliefs and practices as followers of Jesus. Little wonder that the Apostle Paul, writing from prison to encourage the Philippian Christians, was torn between wanting “to depart and be with Christ” or “to remain in the flesh” and continue to serve his friends and companions in the church. We face the same mission of telling and living the head- and heart-crunching stories of Jesus, and the same obstacles of those who came before us: doubt, resistance, and rejection. We are also strengthened by Christ’s presence and hope. “We have been granted the privilege of believing in Christ and suffering for Christ.” Upcoming Worship Helpers October 1, 9:30 am  Greeters/ Ushers: Fred Young and Dave Kauzlarich Reader: Cheryl Young Sound/ Screen/ Streaming:  Wayne Martens Musician: Georgine Bellamy Counters: Lisa Vossekuil and Wayne Martens Communion Server: Barb Lorimor and Bonnie Fenimore Communion Bread:  Bonnie Fenimore Acolytes: Ellie Michelson Crucifer:  Christian Cook Sunday Bible Study:  Bible Study will meet at 11:00 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.

God Squad and Confirmation. St Paul’s Christian Education program for children and youth meets Wednesday evenings during the school year. PK-6th graders gather in God Squad, and 7th and 8th graders meet in Confirmation with the Pastor. A free meal is served at 5:30; classes and activities are held from 5:50 to 6:50pm.  Food and monetary donations are welcome for the meal. Sign-up on Signup Genius to help in the kitchen.

Lutheran Study Bibles.  There are extra Lutheran Study Bibles for sale at $36.00 each if anyone is interested in purchasing one.

Senior Center Volunteers. Volunteers are needed to deliver meals for the Senior Center. It takes approximately 45 minutes and the schedule is flexible.  To assist with this or learn more, please call 515.462.1334.  Thank you. Matthew 25: Ministries – Pill Bottle Donations. Matthew 25: Ministries is an international relief organization that supports medical missions. We can be a part of this by donating empty plastic pill bottles. All sizes, with plastic lids, are accepted. Please remove all outside labels. See the flyer at the church; the donation box is located near the mailboxes. Contact Kim Patience with any questions: kimpatience62@gmail.com 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 ande0508@gmail.com. Please note that this is Dick’s new email. 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 Nelson. (jim@nelson.dev) to let them know availability. Please note that this is Jim’s new email.   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 October 31, 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 and can be dropped off at anytime.  Jim asks that the cookies for the monthly blood drive be home-made.

Church Directory. St. Paul’s family photo directory is posted on our website, stpaullutheranchurch.net. Find it under the About tab and enjoy! We will be able to add photos as they become available. We also have an online directory, Servant Keeper, that provides contact information of our members and is a valuable tool for connecting with each other. Secure to our constituents, Servant Keeper is password protected for each individual and for access to the complete directory. The information of families and individuals is only what you provide and allow to be seen. Email Lisa Vossekuil if you would like an account at finances@stpaullutheranchurch.net.  Are you a new member or need to update your information?  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. Call Committee Activity. The Ministry Site Profile is a summary that tells about St Paul Lutheran Church, what’s important to us and how we bear witness to Christ’s love in our community. The Call Committee wrote this narrative about St Paul with the help of each of you who participated in surveys and interviews. The Ministry Site Profile (MSP) was submitted on May 25th and approved by the office of the Bishop on June 2nd. Here’s a small portion called the “Summary Description” we submitted:St Paul Lutheran Church is a small but mighty church with a big dream to have a healthy church culture, one that changes lives. We believe our primary calling as a congregation is to love God and love people. This congregation will welcome a pastor who loves the Lord, Jesus Christ, and spends sufficient time alone with God to sustain the work of the ministry, by living out of a cup that overflows; one who is willing to train and partner with us in the work of evangelism; who is willing to walk together with us as we learn a theology of grieving; who is willing to faithfully bear with us as we struggle to yield in the areas where God is at work transforming us. Now we wait, knowing that God is leading us into a season of waiting and listening and trusting. While you’re waiting and listening and trusting please remember to pray for discernment for your Call Committee and for the Church Council. 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.   St. Paul Choir. Choir practice is held Wednesday evenings at 7:10 pm. Everyone is welcome to spread the good news through our music ministry. Questions may be directed to Sue Hansen, choir director, 515-468-0137.  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, please contact the office and we’ll help find a way you can make a difference!    Upcoming Worship Helpers October 8, 9:30 am  Greeters/ Ushers: Dick and Mary Anderson Reader: Needed Sound/ Screen/ Streaming:  Cheryl Young Musician: Clarice Blanchard Counters: Lisa Vossekuil and Dean Bartelt Communion Server: Marilyn Mount and Barb Kellogg Communion Bread:  Marilyn Mount Acolytes: Ellie Michelson Crucifer:  Blake Acton 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.

 

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Church office phone: (515) 462-4270
Church office email:  Office@stpaullutheranchurch.net
Pastor Heidi Williams: (515) 450-0490