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*February 26, 2021

“For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it.” Mark 8:27-38

Dear friends and members of St. Paul’s,

The above words from Jesus sound quite strange, especially to the unbeliever. How does one lose one’s life and yet gain everything? This weekend in the sermon I’m going to touch on the importance of covenants in God’s plan of salvation. A covenant is a promise that God makes which he connects himself to his people. As this connection is made through the merits of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, other connections which the world thinks are of utmost importance suddenly fall to the side. In Philippians 3 the apostle Paul writes “But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.” Losing to win is not the usual way things are done, but then again having Jesus in your life is anything but usual.

Blessings,

Pastor

Weekend Worship: This week we continue our Lenten Sunday Old Testament sermons with a look at “All things Covenant. God promises Abraham and Sarah a Son.” Based on Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16. You can sign up for services at Weekend Worship Services: February 27th and 28th Weekend Worship Service (signupgenius.com)
To the Ends of the Earth: We will pick up on Session Three: Expect the Unexpected from Acts 16:1-17:15, during today’s Bible Class hour. If you signed up for the class you can watch the study online. If you would like to get signed up for the class contact Pastor Krenz.
Lenten Devotionals: We have plenty of “Return to the Lord” Lenten devotionals that can be found on the narthex table. Please feel free to pick up extra devotions for friends and family.
Bible Study - is now being held in the Youth Room at 9:15am every Sunday morning. Grades 8-12.
Come take a look at our Library in the Atrium. It is ready for you to use. Simple check out and return process is on the clipboard. Please try to return books in a reasonable amount of time…no due date…no fines! Donations of books are not being accepted at this time. Please do not leave any books anonymously! Questions? You may contact Helen Nowak @ 281-4875 or 980-6549 😊
Life Network of Southern Illinois will hold it’s annual Fundraising Banquet on Thursday, March 18 & Friday, March 19 at the Falls Banquet Center. Doors open at 5:30pm; Event begins at 6:30pm. This annual event is free to attend and always has amazing speakers. An opportunity to make a financial contribution will be extended. RSVP by March 12 to Karl Nowak – 618-792-6582
Handbells Have Re-Started: Attention Ringers New and Old!! Handbells have resumed. Whether you have played in the past or want to learn, all are welcome! If you are interested please text deaconess field worker Alicia Benning (217-710-5865) so she has a rough head count. During Lent we meet at 7:30pm.
Mid-Week Lenten Services: Our mid-week Lenten Service times are 9:30am and 6:30pm. Both services will serve the Lord’s Supper throughout Lent. The 9:30am service will be a masked service throughout the Lenten season. This year’s theme is titled “Return from Exile”. Next week’s topic is Mountain to Mountain: Mount Moriah to Mount Zion.
Stewardship Thought:
Mark 8:32 – “And he said this plainly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.” Any time we sin we are acting like Peter: thinking we know better than the Lord. But as Jesus says, such acts stem from Satan. So let us repent: let us trust our Lord Jesus and follow Him. For certainly He has earned our trust with His gracious sacrifice for us.
Spring Rummage Sale: The youth group is excited to announce we plan to have a Spring Rummage Sale this year! Please save your items to benefit the youth of our congregation. Any and all donations are welcome, but no clothes, computers or TVs please. Tentatively save the date for Saturday, April 17. More details will follow. This year's sale will look and feel a bit different than previous years due to COVID, but we are praying it will still be successful. If you are able to and are interested in helping before OR during the event (we would appreciate it), please reach out to Christina Schmitt - 314-807-2200 or Lillian Koenigstein 618-541-4657
Registration for 2021-2022 is now open! If you have a student or know someone who will be high school age during the 2021-2022 school year, encourage them to consider Christ Our Savior Lutheran High school. Call 853-7300 to schedule a shadow day or a private tour. Learn more and download a registration form from our website, www.coslhs.org. Early registration ends March 31.
The cost of attending COS can be offset by scholarships. Scholarships are available based on financial need as well as academics and service.

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