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01/17/26

“He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah”. John 1:41

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

In our gospel reading for this coming Sunday/Monday we see that faith is passed along from Andrew to his brother Simon Peter. It is often very difficult for Christian parents/grandparents when their children/grandchildren who were raised in the faith, have since neglected to nurture that faith. Often this is reflected in the lack of church participation. There are no easy answers as to why this is the case, however this doesn’t negate the reality that one’s family has the greatest influence on virtually all aspects of life including one’s spiritual direction. I have seen this impact over and over again in my 30 plus years of ministry. Grandparents and parents know this, whether it feels or looks that way or not, your faithful witness is impactful. Keep it up!

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Krenz

Sunday/Monday Worship: The Blessed Call to Bear Witness to Jesus. John 1:29-42a

The Giving Tree fundraiser for Eve's Restoration: Ministries raised $1,530! Thank you to everyone who donated and helped bring us past our $55,000 goal for 2025, raising a total of $58,000! We cannot thank St. Paul's enough for their continued support! Amanda Douglas

Food Pantry Update:

Needs: Potato Sides, Coffee, Graham Crackers

1/14 Served: 18 Families= 38 Adults & 8 Children

Next Pantry: January 21st 1:30—3 pm

Newsletter Articles, Pictures, Calendar Items due January 19th for February Newsletter.

Call Committee update: The call committee met recently to discuss what the congregation is looking or in a DCE, set a time line for the call process, and go over information on five individuals who have already been provided to us by the District Office. Congregational members are invited over the next few weeks to share names of synodically trained DCE’s with members of the call committee. Upon receiving these names the call committee will work with the District Office to see which candidates might be open to such a called position. The call committee hopes to start interviewing potential candidates sometime in February. The members of the call committee are Scott Peery (chair), Carleigh Ottwell, Patrick Grandt, Mitch Essert, and Becky Stevens. The next Call Committee mtg will be Thursday, Jan. 22nd at 6:30 pm. Please keep this whole process in your prayers.

Sunday Morning Adult Bible Class: 9:25 am to 10:15 Do join us on Sunday mornings at 9:15am as this week as we look at Luke 12 & 13 and hear what Jesus says about handling division, the importance of repentance, the parable of the barren fig trees, the mustard seed kingdom, and entering heaven through the narrow door. We meet in the Fellowship Hall and new people are always welcome.

Children’s Sunday School: In today’s lesson, “Mission Wonders,” Jesus gathers seventy-two followers and sends them out to the surrounding towns and villages. Taking nothing with them, these disciples depend on the willing welcome of local residents. There they remain, healing and spreading God’s Word. Returning from their mission, the seventy-two rejoice in the many miracles they witnessed. Jesus reminds them to rejoice in their salvation.

Youth 8th -12th grade Sundays: 9:15 - 10:15 am Meet In the Loft upstairs Jan 25th –Dodge Ball w/ Waterloo Youth Group 4-8 pm. Contact Becky Stevens at 618-550-3552 if interested.

Ladies Bible Study w/ Nancy 10 to 11 am Wednesdays - SS room at end of hall. A study on some of the women of the Bible. Call Nancy Radentz or email her for more information. 618-340-2995 donan9@sbcglobal.net

Pre-School Sunday; On January 25th at the late service the Pre-School will be singing and we will have a light luncheon in the fellowship hall for Pre-school families and members of St. Paul’s following the second service. We are looking for individuals, couples, or families who are willing to welcome and sit with a pre-school family in the 10:30 worship service. If interested contact Pastor Krenz. A free will offering for a pre-school related item will also be taken after the service.

Fridays, Once a Month: 2026 EYES on Isaiah Our Not-for-Couples-Only Bible Class led by Pastor Sievers will focus on the OT book of Isaiah in 2026, meeting monthly on a convenient Friday. Learn how the Holy Spirit used Isaiah not only to predict with amazing detail our Savior's birth, death, and resurrection, but also to warn and comfort God's people. First class is February 13 at 6:30 p.m. For more info or to order your $12 study guide, call or text Pastor Sievers (314-882-2097).

Life with God A new adult membership class will start on Sunday, February 22nd at 4 pm. This 10 week class is for those interested in learning what Lutherans teach and for becoming part of the fellowship here at St. Paul’s. Please contact Pastor Krenz at 618-363-0121 if you are interested.

Everyone is invited to a hymn festival commemorating the liturgical Festival of the Conversion of St. Paul on Jan. 25. Four Southern Illinois churches named 'St. Paul' will join together for this hymn festival that afternoon: St. Paul's Columbia, St. Paul Hamel, St. Paul's Troy, and St. Paul Wood River. The Hymn Festival will be Jan. 25, 2026 at 3:00 PM at St. Paul's Troy, 112 N. Border St., Troy, IL. In the spirit of St. Paul, a mission offering will be collected for the Seminario Concordia El Reformador in the Dominican Republic, (a mission partner of the SID).

Eve’s Restoration Ministries is recruiting members for its Programming Committee to help develop Christ-centered programs for Eve’s Restoration Home, opening in 2027. Committee members will assist in creating holistic programming that supports spiritual growth, emotional health, education, and life skills for mothers and children., as well as policies and procedures for the home. Meetings will be held the 4th Thursday of every month starting Jan. 22nd at 5:30pm- at St. Paul's OR you can join Zoom from home. If you feel called to help and have relevant experience, please Call, text or email Amanda Douglas at evesrestorationhome@gmail.com or 314-221-6700.

Annual Family Ministry Bowling night! Sign up now in the Narthex to guarantee a spot. Mark your calendar and invite a friend! $10 per adult, $5/student. Family lanes & youth lanes available. At Westpark Bowl, Columbia on Sunday Feb 1, 6pm but arrive at 5:45 for lane assignments and to get your shoes. Payment at the event includes shoes and one large pizza and pitcher of soda per lane. Other menu items available for purchase separately. Indicate on the sign up sheet if your student wants to be on the youth lane(s) or as a family lane.

Save the date and your items: The annual youth group Rummage Sale will be Saturday, March 14, 8 am - noon. We are asking for help from the congregation in general for setup and particularly sale day please. It is our largest fundraiser; we usually raise about $3,000. The next National Youth Gathering will be costly to travel to as it's in San Antonio, July 2028, so we need to build our coffers starting this year. Sign up in the Narthex please. No computers, TVs, clothing or car seats please.