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04/12/24

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As those who have been called to be children of God through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, we are different from the world. At times those in the world will find the message of sin and grace (repentance and the forgiveness of sins through Jesus) to be quite attractive, and at other times people will react negatively when confronted with these truths. It should not surprise us when the world does not fully endorse Biblically based views on marriage, sexuality, the beginning and ending of life, Jesus being the only way to the Father, the reality of hell, salvation by grace alone, the power and blessings of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, original sin, the importance of public worship, loving our enemies, and the list goes on. John writes “The reason the world does not know us is that it does not know him.” Rather than take this rejection personally, we simply chalk it up to not knowing the Savior. Our job as his church/his people is to get the message out, and to pray for a Holy Spirit given faith that comes as a result of hearing the gospel. The reaction to that message is out of our hands.

Blessings,

Pastor Krenz

Sunday/Monday Worship Theme: “The gift of peace and his call to mission” Luke 24:36-49

Sunday Adult Bible Class (9:15—10:15 am) Join us for Sunday mornings April 14th—28th in the fellowship hall as we join the church in Thessalonica as they receive Paul's letters to them. In this series we will explore the instructions given to the church, the themes that Paul addresses, and the everyday application of the Thessalonian discourse, both 1 and 2 Thessalonians. Seminarian Andrew Borseth will be leading this class.

Children’s Sunday School, 9:15-10:15 am “A Revealing Truth” is the Bible lesson for this week. On Easter afternoon, Jesus joins two disciples discussing the events of the past week in Jerusalem while on their way to Emmaus. Along the way, Jesus interprets the Old Testament prophecies concerning Himself. Arriving at Emmaus, the disciples suddenly recognize Jesus, who then disappears from sight. The disciples quickly return to Jerusalem to share their amazing account. Discuss how you, too, can share this amazing story.

Pre-Schoolers Singing/Picnic: On Sunday, April 21st at the 10:30am service the preschoolers from our pre-school will be singing in the service. After the service we will be having a congregational picnic for pre-school families and congregational members near the new playground. Please sign up in the narthex (church entryway) if you are planning to be there for the picnic. The picnic menu will be hot dogs, chips, and a desert.

St. Paul’s Pre-School-Contact Shelly Augustine at 618-910-0764 to receive Information and a Registration Form about our Pre-school.

Bellabration Handbell Concert featuring the handbell choirs of Christ Our Savior, Freeburg, St. Paul, Columbia, and Immanuel, Waterloo, on Sunday, April 21, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church (522 S. Church St.) in Waterloo. A freewill offering will be taken to support the music department of our mission school, Unity Lutheran Elementary School in East St. Louis. A light reception will follow the concert as well.

Youth Events:

April 19 – Middle School Yard Game night in Church parking lot.
April 21- High School Youth Life Night (location TBD)
May 5th- Confirmation

Pick up a copy of Eve’s Restoration Ministries Prayer Request Sheet in the church foyer.

Next Food Pantry: April 17 1:30-3 pm Current Needs: Ketchup, Toilet Paper, Pudding, Cereal and Popcorn;

Membership Classes: If you are interested in learning more about what Lutherans teach and about becoming a member here at St. Paul’s, please contact Pastor Krenz. 618-363-0121

Save the Date!

Congregational Gateway Grizzlies Baseball Event coming Wednesday, May 29th!

Sign Up sheet is in the Narthex.

DCE Intern Update: Due to the low number of students at Concordia Seward we will not be receiving a DCE intern next year. However, there is a chance that a Deaconess student from Concordia Seminary can serve for a year in a similar position. She would start in the later part of July or early August. We are presently putting together a job position and hope to have clarity on whether this will work by the early part of May. Kevin Koenigstein (congregational president) and Pastor Krenz.

The 13th annual "Refresh & Renew" Womens Mini-Retreat at Immanuel Lutheran Church (522 S. Church St.) on Saturday, April 27, from 9-11 a.m. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. There is no cost for this retreat, but we'll be taking an in-gathering of non-perishable food items for the Bi-County Backpack Program and paper products & art supplies for Camp Wartburg. Pre-registeration is appreciated but walk-ins are welcome. 618-939-6480 or immanuelwaterloo@gmail.com.

Church Council will meet Tuesday, April 16th at 6:30 pm.

Spring Voters Meeting Tuesday, April 23rd at 6:30 pm. In the fellowship hall.

Women’s Ministry will host a Potluck Lunch on April 28th, following the 10:30 am service. Mark you calendars and plan to join us! Anyone that wants, may bring a favorite dish to share, or just come and enjoy to the company and a light meal!

Newsletter Deadline: Please submit Articles, Photos, Events, Calendar items to secretary@stpauls-lcms.org by Monday, April 22nd for inclusion in the May Newsletter.

VBS Information: Our dates this year are June 10th-14th, 2024 from 9 am to 12 pm at St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Please reach out to Carleigh if you are able to help with our Games or Bible Exploration/Science Lab sites. She is also looking for a few folks who would be willing to form a decorating committee for the 2024 VBS. The theme is Celebrate the Savior! and we would love to have St. Paul's looking like a fun and inviting party that celebrates God's love for us. Interested? Sign up on the sheet in the Narthex. Volunteers Register online: https://vbsmate.com/events/StPaulsColumbia/28392