Home

03/13/26

“Therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:38

Friends and members of St. Paul’s,

On March 29th after the late service the congregation will be given the opportunity to call a Director of Christian Education candidate to serve in our congregation. This process started 5 years ago when the need for a church worker who would work with youth and families was identified in our “Revitality” planning process. As a result of that process, we were able to have Sam Wegner (now Davis) as a summer and year long intern here at St. Paul’s. After two years of trying to get another intern, we decided to hire Michael Ewert to do this as a part time job during his final year at the seminary. In our October 2026 Voter’s meeting we voted to move forward and call a full time DCE from the field. The call committee has met for three and a half months to discuss the call process, review five candidate profiles received from the Southern Illinois District, and interview via zoom three candidates. The committee believes we have two solid candidates who would be a good fit for our congregation. Please plan to join the voter’s meeting on March 29th around 11:45am in the fellowship hall for this voter’s meeting. Further information on these candidates will be provided to the congregation in the next two weeks, and in the meantime pray that God will bless this whole process.

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Krenz

Congregational Call Meeting: On Sunday, March 29th at 11:45am (following the late service) we will be having a congregational call meeting to call a DCE. The call committee will be presenting two candidates for the congregation to consider. Information on these candidates will be made available before this meeting, and hopefully by March 22nd. If you have any questions, feel free to contact any of the DCE call committee members. Those members are Mitch Essert, Patrick Grandt, Carleigh Ottwell, Becky Stevens, Scott Peery, and Pastor Krenz.

Quilts of Valor: This Sunday (March 15th) Following the 10:30am service a representative from Quilts of Valor will be presenting Ray Bense with a quilt. Quilts of Valor is an organization that makes specially designed quilts to cover Service Members and Veterans touched by war with comfort and healing. Those who receive this award have stood out in their service within the military community. The ceremony will last approximately 10 minutes, and we encourage those at the 10:30am service to stay for this ceremony which will take place in the sanctuary.

Rummage Sale: Tomorrow from 8am to Noon here in the fellowship hall. Feel free to bring by items tonight until 7pm.

Easter Egg Hunt: Saturday, March 28th 1pm. Children ages 2-11. All are welcome. Meet at the downstairs parking lot.

Thank you to Steve and Mitzi Ottwell who recently re-upholstered the choir chairs, varnished the church window seals, and painted the main level restrooms.

Last Chance to order Easter Lilies – due Monday, 3/15

Sunday Morning Adult Bible Class: 9:15 am to 10:15

Luke Bible Class: From 9:15 am to 10:15 am Pastor Krenz will continue a verse-by-verse study of Luke by looking at chapter 18 and 19.

Children’s Sunday School: This week, we study “The Gentile Cause.” A disagreement arises in the Church concerning the Gentile believers. Some want to make the Gentiles follow the Jewish laws. Peter, Paul, and Barnabas give testimony to the Jerusalem Council concerning their work among the Gentiles. The Council sends a letter to the Gentile believers, encouraging them and welcoming them as God’s chosen people.

Middle School Youth Event: On Saturday, March 28th from 6:30pm-10:30 pm a Middle School Youth event will take place here at church. This event will include baking items to deliver to shut ins, devotions, and various youth activities. Contact Mary Colyer (618)-334-2321 or Erin Schmoll 314-603-8654 if interested in attending.

Newsletter Articles, Pictures, Calendar Items due March 16 for April Newsletter.

Pre-School Registration is now open for the 2026-2027 school year! If you know a family looking for a nurturing, high quality, Christ-centered preschool experience, they may contact our preschool Director, Shelly Augustin for more details about our program. 618-281-4190

Holy Cross Lutheran Church of Wartburg will host Good Friday services in the German language on April 3, 2026. The service begins at 10 am. The service folder with Scripture readings and hymns will be printed in the German language. KFUO at 850 AM will broadcast and live stream the service. Holy Cross/Ladies Aid will be hosting a luncheon after the German service.

God on Trial-This Wednesday we Continue Our Lenten midweek services under the theme “God on Trial”. This week’s theme is “Truth” where Jesus conveys to Pilate that his kingdom is “not of this world.”. This series takes us back to the moments when God was literally on trial before men in the person of Christ. In these inspired episodes, we find forgiveness for us and all people, love for our enemies, strength for our faith, and courage to testify to the truth.

CARDS & EGGS in March Pick up an Easter Card or two in the lobby to send to a friend or church member who has lost a dear loved-one to Heaven since last Easter.

Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, March 28th 1 pm Pick up a flier and invite a friend!

“Through the Decades” TRIVIA NIGHT Eve’s Restoration FundraiserThursday, March 26, 2026 6:00 pm (doors open at 5:30 pm) $25 per person $150 for table of 6Get together with some friends - pick up a registration flier in the foyer. Call, text or email Amanda Douglas 314-221-6700 or evesrestorationhome@gmail.com. You can also sign up at Through the Decades Spring Trivia Night 🪩💃

The quilters are in need of any material remnants you have, including flat bed sheets size full and larger, and fitted size queen and larger. Place your donations in the closet under the stairs off the hallway to the fellowship hall.

Church Council We will be meeting in the church fellowship hall this Tuesday (March 17th) at 6:30pm.

Lent Service Schedule “God On Trial”

3/18 Midweek 5 “Truth” John 18:33-40 Pastor Troup

Meal: B of Finance & B of Education

3/25 Midweek 6 “Sympathy” Luke 23:26-34 Pastor Krenz

Meal: B of Youth & B of Outreach

Easter Services: 8am and 10:30am. There will be no sunrise service this year. **Plan to join in fellowship between services for Easter Breakfast, April 5, 9:00-10:20. Continental breakfast of egg casseroles, pastries, fruit, orange juice, milk and coffee will be served. Free will donations to benefit Eve's Restoration Home.