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08/08/26

“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me if you have understanding” Job 38:4 (This week’s Old Testament’s Reading)

Brother and Sister in Christ,

The book of Job, which will be the topic for our Sunday morning adult Bible class in October and November, reminds us there are no easy answers to the why of suffering. Job’s supposed friends think the reason he suffers was ultimately brought on by himself. In this instance, that is not a helpful view. The response of God to Job’s suffering found in chapters 38-41 calls Job to take an extended look at the creator’s creative and intricate actions throughout nature and with his creatures. Simply put, while we might want a more nuanced approach to the topic of suffering, the God who created and redeemed us in Christ, chose to remind Job and all who would later read this book, that small and large animals, the mountains, the rivers and all things created point away from themselves to the God who made them. The book of Job does not exhaust the topic of suffering in the Bible, check out 1 Peter 1 (Our Bible Class topic this Sunday), but it does remind us that most basic of truths…we are and always will be dependent creatures of the creator. It is foolish to think otherwise. Have a blessed weekend, and we’ll see you in church 😊

Yours in Jesus,

Pastor Krenz

A Call has been sent: At last week's voters meeting the congregation issued a call to Hannah Elsey to be our DCE. Hannah presently serves college students in a coffee house ministry in Wichita, Kansas. Hannah is married and has a five-year-old son. She and her husband Samuel, plan to visit St. Paul’s August 22-23. As she considers this call, please keep her in your prayers.

Adult Sunday Bible Class: New Sunday Bible Class on 1 Peter- Please join us today, Sunday, August 9th in the fellowship hall for our new five week verse by verse Bible Study of 1 Peter.

Pre-School through High School Sunday School: Will start again on Sunday, August 16th.

EVE’S RESTORATION MINISTRIES 2nd Annual Dinner Hop. Saturday, August 29, 2026 3:30-7 pm. Each Ticket Includes a 3-Course Meal and Activities throughout the night. Reservations due by Aug 12th. Online registrations go through August 19th. Please register at Dinner Hop 2026 Registration. Registration: $50 per person

Columbia Days Parade Sat, Aug 15, 4:00 Parade Walkers—please meet at 3:15-3:30 pm Saturday, Aug 15 in the Bolm-Schuhkraft Memorial City Park for a 4 pm start. Send your phone # to Lillian (618-541-4657) and she will text you the exact location. Drop off at the park, and then please wait near City Hall to pick up at end of the parade. Let us know if you need a ride back to the park. Wear comfy shoes, blue St. Paul’s t-shirts, and bring water.

High School Youth Pool Party at the Ottwell’s: All students entering 8th through 12th grade are invited to join us for a fun evening as we kick off the new school year. Sunday, August 23 4-7 pm

We’ll have pizza, and you’re welcome to bring a favorite snack to share! Grab your swimsuit and towel, invite a friend, and come ready for a fun night at the pool. We can’t wait to see you there!

Food Pantry Needs: SpaghettiOs, Brownie Mix Aug 5 Served: 19 Families = 46 Adults + 9 Children

Church Building Repair Update: We are waiting to receive bids from contractors. Hope to move forward next week.

Handbell Choir will start up again in September- Interested ringers—please join us! Contact Mark Eischer for more information.