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08/21/26

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy an acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship”. Romans 12:1

Friends and members of St. Paul’s,

It’s Friday and like some of you I’m looking forward to a Friday evening, and a Saturday, with a decreasing amount of responsibility and activity. Then I read the Romans reading for this Sunday (Romans 11:33-12:8) 😊. In that reading we are called to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, to not be conformed to the world, to be humble, and use our gifts more fully in service to God and others. However, interspersed through these exhortations are promises from above, which give us additional incentive and power to do such things. These promises are the mercies of God, the faith God as assigned (given) to us, and the gift of other people in the body Christ. These exhortations mixed in with God’s promises allow us to live both a meaningful and fruitful life.

Blessings in Christ,

Pastor Krenz

Sunday Monday Service Theme: Why the church? Through the church God gives the keys to the kingdom Matthew 16:13-20.

Adult Sunday Bible Class: 10:15-11 am

1 Peter- Please join us today, Sunday, in the fellowship hall for the 3rd week of this verse-by-verse Bible Study of 1 Peter.

Children’s Sunday School 10:15 – 11 am “The Fall and a Promise.” Found in Genesis 3.

Next Food Pantry:

September 2 1:30-3 pm

Pantry Needs:

Granola Bars, Potato Sides

Chili

Aug 19 Served:

16 Families = 35 A + 7 C

St Paul Church Choir will start up again on Monday, Sept. 14 at 5:15 PM. All voices are needed and welcome to this fun group! Please text Karen Shimkus at 618-540-0810 with any questions.

Handbell Choir will start up again September 16 at 6:30 pm. Interested ringers—please join us! Contact Mark Eischer for more info.

Fall Service Times On Sunday, September 13th we will return to the 8 am and 10:30 am Service times.

Please join the Ladies League LWML in supporting our September Service Project.We are collecting (NEW) underwear and socks for the Orphan Grain Train throughout the month of August and then the Ladies League LWML will sort the items at our September meeting. Thank you in advance for your generosity. Something so simple means so much to those in need of them.

High School Youth Pool Party at Ottwell’s Sunday, August 30 4-7 pm All students entering 8th through 12th grade are invited to join us for a fun evening as we kick off the new school year. We’ll have pizza, and you’re welcome to bring your favorite snack to share! Grab your swimsuit and towel, invite a friend, and get ready for a fun night at the pool. We can’t wait to see you there!

Southern Illinois District Youth Gathering-There’s still time to sign up! Join us on Saturday, August 29 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Collinsville, IL. Contact Becky Stevens for more info. Cost is $25 per person. Don’t miss it—register today at sidlcms.org/events.

Life Network’s Annual Trivia Fundraiser September 19. at Waterloo High School. 5 pm Doors Open 6 pm Start Time $250 Table Fee/ 10 Reservations CALL: 618-939-4224

St. Paul’s Lutheran Columbia Annual Church Family Fellowship Picnic

Sunday, September 20th at Bolm-Schuhkraft Memorial Park following the 10:30 am Service

Sign Up in the Narthex to let us know how many are coming And if you will bring a dish or game to share. The church is providing Sandwiches, Potato Salad, Cole Slaw, and Drinks.

– Board of Stewardship

Back to Church October

Do you have a friend, a family member, or an acquaintance who at one time participated in the life of the church but lately that is not the case. The Board of Elders is inviting members and friends of the congregation to first pray for friends, family, and others who are missing out on all the blessings God’s Word gives through the weekly regular worship services. It may surprise you to note that according to an article titled “Coming Home” written by Thom Rainer and Sam Rainer is in “Outreach Magazine” 41% of the formerly churched said that they would return to the local church if a friend or acquaintance invited them. Let us pray for such opportunities. If they return in August or September, that is fine too 😊