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05/01/26

“Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up to salvation if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.” 1 Peter 2:2-3

Friends and members of St. Paul’s,

I have a sweet tooth and at times it has gotten me in trouble. A steady diet of sugary foods is satisfying, but only for a while. The world offers a smorgasbord of sweets (empty calories), but what satisfies our deepest longings is the goodness of the Lord in his Word (the pure spiritual milk) and particularly the gospel. What is the gospel? The good news of Christ death and resurrection for you. Our confirmands Alexis, Adelynn, and Carline have tasted that the Lord is good. May the Lord help these confirmands—and all of us—spend our lives growing up into the salvation which has come our way, continually recognizing the wonders God brings through His Word, which satisfies like nothing else. Have a blessed weekend.

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Krenz

Sunday/Monday Sermon Theme: “Chosen to Proclaim” 1 Peter 2:9-10

Confirmation Sunday: This Sunday Adelynn Cochrane, Alexis Grandt, Caroline Herbeck will be confirmed at the late service. Thanks be to God for these young believers! Pray that through the power of the Holy Spirit they would continue to grow in their relationship with Christ and his church.

Summer Worship Schedule Beginning 5/31

Sundays 9 am Divine Worship Service

10:15 am Bible Study for all Ages

Mondays 6:30 pm Divine Worship Service

Sunday Morning Adult Bible Class

Today we conclude our verse‑by‑verse study of Luke with a look at the resurrection in Luke 24. Beginning next week, we will start a new series titled “Christian Churches—How Are We Similar? How Are We Different?” In this class, we will explore our shared beliefs and key distinctions in comparison with the following traditions: Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, Baptists, other Lutherans, Presbyterians, Assemblies of God (Pentecostal), Church of Christ, Methodism, and Anglican/Episcopalian churches.

Children’s Sunday School: 9:15—10:15 am This week’s Bible lesson is “The Unknown Revealed.” As Paul waits for the other disciples to join him in Athens, he spends time in discussion with philosophers and others in the marketplace. Many temples and altars fill the city of Athens, including an altar dedicated to the “unknown god.” One day, Paul speaks at the Areopagus—also called Mars Hill. He uses the altar to the unknown god as an opportunity to teach the people concerning the true God.

Life with God Classes: A new 10–12 week adult information/membership class begins Sunday, May 17 at 4:00 p.m. The class covers the key beliefs of the Lutheran faith. Meeting times can be adjusted to accommodate summer schedules. For more information, contact Pastor Krenz at 618-363-012 or the church office.

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.

Gateway Grizzlies Fellowship Event Wednesday, May 27th at 6:45 pm A night at the ballpark! (gates Open 5:45)Sign up in the narthex! Ticket includes a meal. Due to a generous donation, each of the tickets ordered are free of charge. However, we are asking that each person attending bring at least $10 that will go toward a mission project (to be determined). Sign Up Deadline: Tuesday, May 19th.

Mark Your Calendar: Join us on a Tropical Trek! VBS 2026 June 8th – 12th We are in search of various items to decorate for VBS: Palm tree decor (inflatable, hangable, or attachable to a wall)

Leaf banners/décor Tropical animal decorations or stuffed animals. Tropical flower decor - banners, fake florals, flower leis Rattan/grass skirts A large piece or small roll of kraft/butcher paper (ideally 4 ft by 16 ft)If you are interested in donating or lending any of these items for VBS AND/OR you are interested in putting together decorations before we decorate on June 6th and 7th, or you have interest in helping to place/hang decorations on those dates, please text Carleigh at 618-719-9307. If lending, please just make sure to label your items in some way. If donating, many items can be found on Amazon or at the Dollar Tree. We typically decorate the Narthex, the children’s room, the hallways leading to the sites, and the fellowship hall. We do have some things at church, but will need a few more things for this year’s program.

Chilli Supper Thank you We had over 35 people participating in our Fellowship Chili Supper Event last Sunday. Thank you to Stefanie Newbill and Donna Tolbird and other stewardship committee members who helped organize this event, along with many others from the Food Pantry. $291 was collected and will be split evenly between the Food Pantry and Eve’s Restoration Home.