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12/6/24

“And he went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” Luke 3:3

Friends and members of St. Paul’s,

This week we will hear from John the Baptist, a prophet who has a way of putting a damper on our holiday celebrations. His message is good, but it is tough. I don’t think the phrase “tough love” originated with him, but it could have. When confronted with our failure points, it is always helpful to remember the last part of the above verses “for the forgiveness of sins”. His message is never one without hope, because his message is ultimately always about the reconciling work of our Savior.

Yours in Christ,

Pastor

Sunday/Monday Service Theme: “A Repentance Primer” Luke 3:1-14.

Register now for our Saturday, December 14th Breakfast with Mary and Joseph. Pick up an info/registration flier in the narthex for your PreK-4th grade child/grandchild or to give to a friend, relative, or neighbor whose youngster might enjoy attending it.

2025 Giving Intention Forms At each of the services on Sunday and Monday we will be collecting the 2025 giving intention forms along with any offering you might have. Please place this and any offering you might have in the offering plate as it is passed around during the service. For the rest of December, the 2025 Intention Forms box will be placed in the church entryway along with extra forms.

Advent Devotions: Be sure to pick up your free Advent devotions in the narthex. This year we have additional devotions for youth and children.

Christmas Program Practice is on December 8th, 15th and 22nd during the SS hour. The program will be Dec. 22nd at the late service. If you know of children who might be interested, contact Karen Mueller (618) 806-4369.

Adult Bible Class 9:15 am

On Sunday, December 8th we will continue our study of the book of Hosea. We are now in chapters 10 and 11. Hosea is a book that showcases God’s determined love for his people that have gone astray.

Ladies Bible Study w/ Nancy

On Hiatus— In January we will resume In the SS room - end of hallway.

Christmas Float: Watch for our float at the Columbia Christmas parade this Saturday. For those participating in the parade we are meeting in the Bolm-shokraft city park at 4:15. Thank you to those who are providing a meal after the parade in the church fellowship hall. You do not have to be a walker or singer on the float to partake of the meal in our fellowship hall.

Congregational Planning for 2025: All members of congregational boards and committees in 2025 are asked to meet in the church fellowship hall on Saturday, January 4th from 9 - 11 am. This will serve as both the first meeting of the year for each board, and a good portion of the time will be spent planning for 2025 and beyond. The church council will then meet at 11 am.

Save the date: The annual youth group rummage sale will be Saturday March 15, 8am-noon.

Newsletter Articles, Pictures, Calendar Items due 12/16.

Next Food Pantry: December 11th 4 to 5:30 pm Served: 12/4 20 Families: 37 Adults and 11 Children

Annual Cookie Walk Saturday, 12/14 9am to Noon Trinity Lutheran Church, 503 E. Washington, Millstadt, IL Delicious Homemade Christmas CookiesSold by the pound… $14/mixed and $15/fancy Advance Orders...Shirley Boehm at 618-476-1113

Fridays, Once a Month NUMBERS is NEXT in 2025 You are invited to tackle the Old Testament book of NUMBERS one Friday night each month beginning Friday, January 10, 2025 at 6:30 pm. Discover how our gracious Heavenly Father uses numbers and other gifts to sustain, guide, and forgive His Chosen People during their 40 years of struggling and wandering in the wilderness and promises to keep us safe and saved today too. Please call or text Pastor Sievers (314-882-2097) so he can get your $10 study guide to you beforehand.