| Come worship with us at 9:30. Join us in person or or watch our livestream Sunday morning on our YouTube channel , or view the service on the YouTube channel on Sunday, November 12. Pastor Heidi Williams will be preaching on Matthew 25:1-13 . Here is a devotion from God Pause: The Apostle Paul did that as he wrote to the people of Thessalonica! Paul gave thanks for the people who had heard the gospel of God through his own words and actions and urged them to become “witnesses” to everyone they interacted with and lived with. Don’t hold back! Don’t keep your relationship with God a secret! That sounds like it could be Paul’s challenge to each of us! Unknown to the people of Thessalonica and even to Paul himself, he is as it were, imagining, naming, nurturing, and supporting us along with those first century “saints,” encouraging us to follow and to stand on their shoulders as saints in the 21st Century! Upcoming Worship Helpers November 12, 9:30 am Greeters/ Ushers: Dave Kauzlarich and Marty Knapp Reader: RoxAnn Rhoads Sound/ Screen/ Streaming: Cheryl Young Musician: Clarice Blanchard Counters: Lisa Vossekuil and Steve Dick Communion Server: Rainy Gibbens and LaRee Allen Communion Bread: Rainy Gibbens Acolytes: Payton Charlet Crucifer: Marriah Allen Sunday Bible Study: Bible Study will meet at 11:00 a.m. following morning worship in the front most classroom near the church office. During the class, we invite questions, comments, and connections, as we expand upon the readings from the worship service. Larger Bulletins & Kids Bags: The ushers will have large print bulletins available. St. Paul has kids’ bags to engage your child during church. They are hanging on hooks by the entry doors or see the ushers. |
Operation Christmas Child Campaign Begins. Operation Christmas Child is an international relief effort of Samaritan’s Purse. It provides shoeboxes for children in need filled with items, such as personal care items, accessories, school supplies, small toys, and a “wow” item. Pick up a shoe box and a list of suggestions to fill your gift box. Boxes should be returned to the church by Sunday, November 19, when they will be blessed during the worship service. Questions may be directed to Clarice Blanchard and Ted Leonard.
Ham Ball Dinner Thank You! A sincere thank you to everyone who donated money or food, prepped food, worked in the kitchen, dining room or ‘to go’ room, took money, set up the dining room, ate dinner, shared the event through social media or helped with a myriad of other tasks necessary to pull off a successful Ham Ball Dinner. You are amazing!! Due to all of you, we were able to raise over $3,700 in net profit to pay down our outstanding debt. In addition to your support, many of the people that attended gave us more than what we were charging for the dinner. I’d say the community missed this event! Until next year, thanks again, and God bless you all! Jacque Mohs
COLLEGE CARE PACKAGES: We have 20 college students who we will send care packages to for uplifting, inspiring and encouragement in preparation for their FINALS WEEK! Bags will be set out on a table Nov. 19-Dec. 3, with boxes mailed out to our students on Dec. 4. The Flock Ministry will pay for postage of the packages. This small gesture from their church family means more then you know and is a special reminder they are loved and missed by many. Please feel free to add snacks, school supplies, drinks, gift cards, personal notes, etc… to the bags anytime during the collecting period. If you wish to make a monetary donation (cash, check, Venmo) or have any questions, please contact Nicole Darling.
Jelsma Family Donations. The Jelsma family of New Virginia were members here several years ago, and members of St. Paul have s,,tayed in touch with them. The hardships the family of 4 boys are facing is great: Son Devin’s cancer from ten years ago has returned; father Travis died this past spring; and now mother Heather has cancer. Georgine Bellamy is collecting donations for the family through December 3. Funds may be given to her or to the church office; please make checks out to St. Paul and write Jelsma family on the memo line. Individual cards may be mailed to The Jelsma Family, 22838 18th Avenue, New Virginia, IA 50210.
The Elf Christmas Decorating Party. Sunday, November 19th following church. Lunch will be provided. Please let Kim Patience know if you can help so she can get a meal count. Everyone is welcome as it takes many hands to carry boxes, climb ladders, and decorate. Let’s get into the Christmas spirit together!
Trust Fund Recipients. Our Trust Fund was established by a member to support local and world missions, and the committee meets on 5th Sundays throughout the year. They met on October 29 and voted to give funds to support the Matthew 25: Ministries program by paying for the postage to send in the pill bottles. We’ve already had two shipments. They also approved purchasing the Family Farm package, plus one rooster, for a total of $730 from ELCA Good Gifts. (Learn more about ELCA Good Gifts at the link.) Additionally, they are giving $500 to CRISP and $500 to Matura to support the needs of our community. Questions or suggestions may be addressed to Dick Anderson.
Donated Pew. Ivan and Dorothy Marckmann have donated a 4-foot pew from the former church building. They would like it sold and the funds go to a worthy cause. The pew has been put up for silent auction, and the funds will go toward sponsoring a child or children for Christmas4Kids in Madison County, organized by CRISP. The auction closes Sunday, November 19, at 11:00 am and the pew can be picked up on Monday, November 20.
Capital Campaign. “ Thank you! The response to our Capital Campaign has been wonderful! As of the end of October, we have nearly $65,000 pledged towards the goal of $70,000! We have recently received several more generous pledges and the funds are being received continuously. Over $36,000 has been received since the campaign kicked in back in May. We have cut our remaining debt in half in just 6 more months. And the profits from the Hamball Dinner upcoming are pledged but not included in these totals. With God, all things are possible!” Wayne Martens, Capital Campaign Chair
ELCA Good Gifts. ELCA Good Gifts provide an easy way for you to make a real impact across the world. Your gifts help share the love of Christ one goat, water well or school uniform at a time. See the catalog on the usher’s table or use this link to make your order and spread the good news: ELCA Good Gifts
Holiday Hop Preparations. Attention: Crafters and bakers!! The holiday hop is fast approaching! We still need cookies, home-baked cookies in a container is perfect! Have them to the church by November 17 anytime through the day and we would love to have sell them! The cookie buffet has always been a great success. Let’s keep that tradition alive and going with all you amazing bakers! I have placed a sign up sheet on the kiosk. Any question, please contact Liz Hansen at 515-462-3987 or RoxAnn Rhoads at 515-468-8239.
Pastoral care. Please feel free to contact our new Pastor, Heidi Williams, with any pastor cares you need. Her cell number is 515-450-0490
God Squad and Confirmation. St Paul’s Christian Education program for children and youth meets Wednesday evenings during the school year. PK-6th graders gather in God Squad, and 7th and 8th graders meet in Confirmation with the Pastor. A free meal is served at 5:30; classes and activities are held from 5:50 to 6:50pm. Food and monetary donations are welcome for the meal. Sign-up on Signup Genius to help in the kitchen.
Adult Faith Formation Class. Adult Faith Formation is offering a 5 session class beginning Sunday, October 22nd. The class will meet at 5:00 on Sundays through November 19th. What can we do as a community as we prepare our hearts and wait for what God has next for us? Join us for the Lectio Course, as we learn how to hear God by praying the Bible together as a community. The course materials will be provided free of charge. All are welcome.
| Senior Center Volunteers. Volunteers are needed to deliver meals for the Senior Center. It takes approximately 45 minutes and the schedule is flexible. To assist with this or learn more, please call 515.462.1334. Thank you. Transportation Ministry. Transportation ministry is providing rides home mainly for outpatient surgery patients who cannot secure another way home. There is a clipboard in the back of the church if you would like to add your name to the volunteers. The need is occasional but so much appreciated. Questions? Contact Chris Madison (515-468-0051) CRISP and MATURA Food Boxes CRISP and Matura are partnering again this year to provide food boxes for our families who are receiving gifts. If you are interested in helping provide a food box please contact Theresa at MATURA. Her number is 515-462-4704. They will take donations of cash/check, gift cards or food to help complete the food boxes. Matthew 25: Ministries – Pill Bottle Donations. Matthew 25: Ministries is an international relief organization that supports medical missions. We can be a part of this by donating empty plastic pill bottles. All sizes, with plastic lids, are accepted. Please remove all outside labels. See the flyer at the church; the donation box is located near the mailboxes. Contact Kim Patience with any questions: kimpatience62@gmail.com Matura Food Pantry: Our offering to the Matura Food Pantry is blessed the first Sunday of each month. Help us fill the shopping cart will non-perishable food, diapers, and even pet food. Checks made out to Matura Madison County or cash are also accepted. St. Paul’s Trust Fund: The Trust Fund committee, elected by the congregation, supports mission projects ranging from national and international disaster relief, congregants’ mission trips, and camping scholarships for youth and children. Please contact Chair, Dick Anderson with any questions or suggestions for mission support at ande0508@gmail.com. Please note that this is Dick’s new email. Furniture Ministry: St. Paul collects and gives home goods, furniture, and appliances to those in need. Contact Lisa Vossekuil (920-979-0304 or levossekuil@gmail.com) about any donations. Monetary gifts are also appreciated for our storage units. The Furniture Ministry needs able bodies to help with picking up and delivering furniture on a Saturday morning (usually 9;00 – 10:00 a.m.). Willing workers should contact Lisa (levossekuil@gmail.com) or Jim Nelson. (jim@nelson.dev) to let them know availability. Please note that this is Jim’s new email. Pool of Siloam: Pool of Siloam is St. Paul’s local benevolence program that provides monetary support for those in need of such things as gas money or car repair, rent or mortgage assistance, and utility bills. In partnership with local agencies (CRISP, Matura, and Crisis Intervention), we annually serve over 100 individuals, including children. All giving to the Pool of Siloam is matched by an anonymous donor. Offerings to this program can be indicated on your giving envelope or online giving form. LifeServe Blood Drive: St. Paul hosts the community LifeServe Blood Drive every fourth Tuesday of the month. We are known for our home-baked goods and appreciate your donations of cookies and bars. Please bring them to the church by noon the day of the drive November 28, 2023 is the next scheduled blood drive. Call for Cookies. Cookies are always needed for Sunday morning services and the monthly blood drive. They can be store bought or home-made and can be dropped off at anytime. Jim asks that the cookies for the monthly blood drive be home-made. |
Pictorial Directory: The Church Directory is in! Please contact Cheryl Young at 515-770-5806 or the church office if you have signed up to purchase any. The cost is $5.00 per booklet. If you did not sign up, we do have extras available at $5.00 a copy. You may get one at worship service or contact the office by email office@stpaullutheranchurch.net, phone 515-462-4270 or stopping in. Also an updated picture directory is now online on the church website. To access names and contact information from our online directory Servant Keeper, see Lisa Vossekuil or contact her at finances@stpaullutheranchurch.net Are you a new member or need to update your information? Please take a few minutes to complete the online form or pick up a paper copy at the usher table and turn it into the office. Call Committee Activity. Bishop Current’s office has provided us with an easy to follow four step process for use by call committees. The four steps are: 1 Leave-taking – Saying goodbye 2 Preparation – Formation of the call committee, Workshops and Ministry Site Profile. 3 Discernment – Identifying potential candidates, Interviewing candidates, Council recommendation and Call. 4 Walking Together – Installation, Check in at 3-6-12-18 months, One year review The Call Committee has completed step two and is currently in a season of discernment as we interview candidates. This season may last a few months or longer. In order to protect the confidentiality of candidates, no specific information can be shared about who is being interviewed or when the interviews are planned. However, once the Call Committee decides on a primary candidate that name is submitted to the Congregational Council, who then makes preparations for a Congregational Meeting. A two-thirds vote of the congregation calls a pastor. The Call Committee invites you to pray with us. Almighty God, giver of all good gifts, you have given us grace to make our common prayer to you. Direct us Lord God, in this time of transition as we join in one prayer together. Grant to us in this time of searching, courage, patience, and vision and use us , we pray, as you will, but always to your glory and the welfare of your people. Guide our decisions as we do the work of calling a pastor. May we receive a faithful servant who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries. Through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ Amen Prayer Chain: St. Paul has a group dedicated to the power of prayer. If you have a prayer request for the Prayer Chain, please share it with Twila Seibert (515-462-1505) or Ann Bartelt (annbartelt0204@gmail.com) or the church office. St. Paul Choir. Choir practice is held Wednesday evenings at 7:10 pm. Everyone is welcome to spread the good news through our music ministry. Questions may be directed to Sue Hansen, choir director, 515-468-0137. Got Time? Got Talent? We Want You! We have a variety of opportunities available where you can showcase an existing talent or pursue an interest you have. Do you have finance or organizational skills, like to show your concern for others, can teach others, or know your way around building maintenance? All of these skills can be put to use on various St. Paul committees that need our time and talent. So, if you want to give back to our church, please contact the office and we’ll help find a way you can make a difference! Upcoming Worship Helpers November 19, 9:30 am Greeters/ Ushers: Needed and Needed Reader: Amanda Turnquist Sound/ Screen/ Streaming: Lisa Vossekuil Musician: Georgine Bellamy Counters: Lisa Vossekuil and Wayne Martens Communion Server: Dean and Ann Bartelt Communion Bread: Trudy Langford Acolytes: Hendrick Aasen Crucifer: Peyton Ray Worship Service Helpers/Volunteers Needed! If you are able and willing, we need your help in returning our 9:30 service to “normalcy.” It’s important that all of the positions be filled. Worship team members Debi Martens is available for any “training” you may want. 3 Easy ways to sign up: Use SignUpGenius! It’s easy to access at this link and will even send you a reminder of your commitment. Volunteer Kiosk: We have clipboards on the kiosks in the entryway for you to sign. Call the Church office at 515-462-4270. |
Church office phone: (515) 462-4270
Church office email: Office@stpaullutheranchurch.net
Pastor Heidi Williams: (515) 450-0490