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10/25/25

“But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it-the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:21-24.

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Following various standards and expectations are part of virtually every aspect of our life. There are expectations laid out for us at home, at school, at work, and as citizens of this country. We have expectations for ourselves, and others have expectations for us. God has also laid out expectations for humanity in his commandments. It is good to worship him alone, to call upon his name, and treasure his word. It is a blessing to others when we honor those in authority, treasure marriage, and respect life. It is good for our neighbors when we are good stewards of our material and financial gifts, put the best construction on what people say, and are content with our place in life. The Reformation message is that our connection with our triune God is not established and maintained because we have met his expectations. Our connection with our Triune God happens because Jesus has met God’s standards, and faith says yes this is true. The fact is He has lovingly and freely atoned for every time we have come up short in following him and loving others. Because of him we have a righteousness (a right standing before God), that comes apart form the law (his standards). It is quite common to tell ourselves that “I’m not good enough, or haven’t done enough” when it comes to personal expectations, expectations of others, and expectations of God. Thanks be to God we have the Reformation gospel, a righteousness apart from the law, that comes by his grace as a gift through faith in Jesus Christ. With him in our life His expectations for us and for our salvation have been met and fulfilled. Thanks be to God.

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Krenz

Sunday/Monday Service Theme: “Our Fortress and Strength” Psalm 46

Why a DCE might benefit this congregation: A Director of Christian Education might help our congregation better reach out to the 94 youth under the age of 18 who are baptized members of our congregation, and 54 young adults under the age of 30 who are also connected to St. Paul’s. Please join us at the Voter’s meeting on Tuesday, October 28th as we vote on whether to call a person to this position. Additional information can be picked up in the church entryway.

Voters Meeting: Please consider attending our Oct. 28th Voters mtg. In addition to the vote on the DCE we will be looking at our 2026 church budget and deciding the 2026 church officers.

Next Food Pantry: November 5th 1:30-3 pm

Pantry Needs: Applesauce, Hamburger Helper & Cereal

Served 10/15: 25 families (A:50 C:7)

Christmas Poinsettias Ordering Deadline: Nov. 16 To be guaranteed that we receive 5-bloom poinsettia plants in time for the Christmas season, Order your Christmas poinsettias in Honor or Memory of loved ones by Sunday, November 16th. Poinsettias will be $7. Pick up Pink order forms in Narthex, and place completed forms and payment in basket. Checks may be made payable to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Thank you!

Contact Marianne May with questions at 618-281-8622.

Building a Ramp- Steve Ottwell is looking for some help building a ramp for a church member’s home. Please call 618-612-3465 if you would like to help meet that need.

Children’s Sunday School 9:15 to 10:15 am -3 years to 7th Grade - Meet in Upstairs Hallway Rooms

The account of Jesus clearing the temple serves as today’s lesson, “A Temple Cleansing.” Merchants and money-changers fill the outer courts of the temple in preparation for the Passover. Jesus overturns the tables and drives out the animals in His zeal to restore the temple to its proper PURPOSE. When the Jews question His authority, Jesus tells them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up” (John 2:19). Only after His resurrection do the disciples realize that Jesus was referring to His body as the new temple.

Adult Sunday morning Bible Study (9:15-10:15am)-Join us on Sunday mornings from 9:15-10:15 as we continue our verse by verse study of the gospel of Luke.

Youth Activities

Youth 8th -12th grade

Sundays: 9:15 - 10:15 am Meet In the Loft upstairs

High School Youth Lock-In November 7-8

7pm-8am Bring a friend!

11/2 Newman Trail Hike 2-5 RSVP to Becky

11/7 Lock-In 7-8 pm RSVP to Kaitlyn 618.340.6436

11/9 Visit Garden Place 11:45-12:45 pm to deliver Crafts

Adult Sunday morning Bible Study (9:15-10:15am)

Thank you Mel and Agnes! We also send a great big thank you to Mel Stuckmeyer for providing the pumpkins that adorn our sanctuary window sills and outside the front of church. And for providing a small pumpkin for each preschool student to decorate during their classroom party.

79th Annual Holy Cross Wurstmarkt & Country Store, at Renault, IL on Sunday, October 26 from noon - 5:00 pm with handicap accessible dining. We have dine in or carry outs that include pork sausage, mashed potatoes, milk gravy, sauerkraut, corn, green beans, cranberry sauce, applesauce, our homemade apple butter, homemade pies, coffee & lemonade. It is $15 for adults; $7 for children 6 - 12 and children 5 and under are free (dine in only). We do have a Country Store with fresh meat, our homemade apple butter, home baked goods and crafts.

Immanuel Lutheran Waterloo 40th Anniversary Organ Concert – Sunday, November 2nd from 3-4pm.

Parenting the Prodigals- Sunday, November 2nd 3 – 4 pm. On Saturday, November 8, Trinity is hosting a "Parenting the Prodigals" retreat from 9-3. Our guest speaker will be Paula from Faith Family Reunion, a non-profit that is run by LCMS pastors and laypeople. The retreat will focus on comforting those who mourn having a family member outside the Church, as well as working together on sharing the gospel of Jesus with their non-churched family members. To register call 618-476-3101