Service Theme on Sunday and Monday: “The Generosity of God” Matthew 20:1-16.

Church Picnic- All are welcome to join us for the annual church picnic at Bolm-Schukraft Memorial Park in Columbia after the late service (11:45am). Even if you are not able to bring a side dish, please feel free to attend. Right now there are approximately 50 people signed up to attend, but there is always room for more. We are meeting at this large pavilion in the middle of the park.

See You At the Pole At Flag Poles on School Campuses near you on September 23. This year our congregation received a grant from the Southern Illinois District to distribute material and snacks to Columbia Middle School & High School Students on September 23rd at 7:15 am. Members who would like to assist please meet at 6:45am at the church. Thank you to Becky Stevens and the youth for putting these packets together.

Hannah Elsey, Installation as DCE and Welcome celebration- Hannah, her husband, Samuel, and their five-year-old son, JD, moved this past week to their new home at 9827 Emil Avenue, Sappington, MO 63126. Hannah’s starting date at St. Paul’s will be Monday, September 28th. The date of her installation as our DCE is Sunday, October 4th at the 8 am service. Following Hannah’s installation, we are planning a card shower and Continental Breakfast to celebrate and warmly welcome the Elsey family to St. Paul’s. In the meantime, please keep Hannah, Sam, and JD in your prayers as they prepare for this transition. She can be reached at 785-640-4299.

Children’s Sunday School 9:15 – 10:15 am The account of Jacob’s favorite son, Joseph, serves as today’s lesson, “Hope in Hardship.” This account occupies a turning point in the history of God’s people. The unusual timeline of Joseph’s life includes him being despised by his brothers, being sold into slavery, attaining success and then losing it all to false accusations, being imprisoned, and serving in the court of Pharaoh. Joseph summarizes his life in one sentence addressed to his brothers, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20). Discuss how God can use negative things for our benefit.

Job Adult Sunday Bible Class: 9:15-10:15 am-Please join us as we continue our overview of the book of Job. While we won’t be covering every chapter in this book, we will be examining key themes from various parts of the book. This class will run from 9:25-10:10 on Sundays in the fellowship hall.

Thank You! To the Trustees for all the work being done coordinating repairs in the church entryway! The church entryway has been fixed, and the new air handler above the balcony is in and will be installed next week.

Eve’s Restoration MinistriesTRIVIA NIGHT- St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. That’s Entertainment! Thursday, September 24, 2026 6:00 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.) $25/per person or $150/per table of six. You can sign up at "That's Entertainment!" Trivia Night or in the church entryway.

New Portals of Prayer – October thru December Available to pick up in church entryway

Offering Plate Giving Cards- Recently we have returned to passing the plate when receiving offerings during the service. For those that contribute via Bill Pay or just periodically throughout the year we invite you place the new “Giving card” found on the back of your pew into the offering plate. By placing this in the offering plate you can join with others in bringing your gift forward to the Lord in service to Christ and his kingdom. No need to write anything on these cards, simply place them in the offering plate. The cards will be returned to the pew for the next week’s service.

“Ask the Expert?” Wills & Estate Planning Evening Sunday, October 18 6:30 – 8 pm (No Cost) St. Paul’s will be having a Will Planning workshop. The workshop is called Ask the Expert. The panel of “Experts” include, an estate attorney (Alan Stumpf), a financial professional (Billy Onder), to include someone from the church’s endowment fund, and Pastor Krenz. Attendees will receive a free Will Guide and many other resources will be available. This workshop is for you, your spouse, and other family members(All ages, 20’s and beyond). Sign Up in church entryway.

I am out of Town – On Thursday, Sept. 24th to Sept. 28th Lisa and I will be out of town visiting our daughter and son-in-law in Denver. I will also be running in a half marathon in Boulder, Co. (Pray for me 😊 ) Contact Pastor Troup at 618-340-8375 should pastoral care be needed while I’m away.

Next Food Pantry: October 7 1:30-3 pm Pantry Needs: Granola Bars, Chili, Peas Sept 16 Served: 24 Families = 50 A + 7 C

Updated Web Site: Recently the Board of Communications has been meeting to update the website. A huge thank you to Josh Colyer who helped implemented the various updates. If you have any suggestions on how we can make this web site better please contact one of the board of communication members Julie Greatting, Robin Lacefield, Jennifer Krick, or Joshua Colyer. 

Southern Illinois District Pastors Conference Communion Service

The congregation is cordially invited to attend an 8 am Communion Service here at St. Paul’s on Monday, October 5th. Please note that only the common cup will be used in the communion service.