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*September 19, 2020

“Seek the Lord while he may be found, call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts, let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon” Isaiah 55:6-7

Dear friends and members of St. Paul’s,

What is the key to our individual and collective growth (renewal) as Christians? Is it a more disciplined way of doing things? Ever increasing giving of our time, talent, and treasure? A stronger prayer life? An increased connection to God’s word through daily scripture reading? All of these are good and helpful, but if I read the Scriptures correctly the key to spiritual renewal is repentance. Repentance is a gift, a recognition that whether we are consumed with despair or filled with pride, life is ultimately about the giver of all good things and the people he puts in our lives. Too often we have depended upon our abilities instead of the Lord’s promises or been consumed with our lack of abilities instead of his promises. The above verses, found in this weekend’s Old Testament reading, also remind us of the one who hears our repentant cries does not hesitate to bring compassion and abundant pardon our way. With that truth, return to the Lord your God.

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Krenz

Weekend Service Theme: The worship theme, “Divine Fairness it is not what you think” comes from Matthew 20:1-16 (The Laborers in the Vineyard. The other readings are Isaiah 55:6-9 and Philippians 1:12-14, 19-30. We invite you to sign up for the 11am Saturday, 8am &10:30am Sunday services at church web site http://stpauls-lcms.org/.
Wednesday Communion Devotionals: These 20 minute services will be held for up to nine people at 9:30am and 5:30pm on Wednesdays at least through mid-October.
Bell Choir: Have you played handbells in the past or are wanting to learn? Are you wanting an excuse to swing things in the air and make music? Then mark your calendar for the first Handbell practice of the year, September 30th at 7 pm! Ages 13 and up are invited to join deaconess seminarian, Alicia Benning here at church. The first practice will review the basics while making a joyful noise to the Lord. The following practices will also be held Wednesday evenings at 7 pm. We are still working on social distancing approaches to help make this as safe for the participants as possible.
Ten Commandments/Ephesians Study: We are holding an online study via YouTube on the 10 commandments and the book of Ephesians. This week we are covering “Remember the Sabbath Day by keeping it holy” and Ephesians 2:1-16.
In person Sunday School and Adult Bible Class: Starting October 4th we are planning to start in person Sunday morning adult Bible Class and Sunday School. The present plan is to use the sanctuary for the adult class, and use spaces like the fellowship hall for Sunday School.
The next Youth Bible Study will take place at 11:45am in the Park on September 27.
Confirmation Classes have started: Please pray for the 10 plus students who are taking part in this years junior catechism study program. If you know of anyone else who might be interested in this class please contact the church office or call pastor Krenz. (618)-363-0121. We have also started a Wednesday 7:15pm Adult confirmation class. We still have slots for others to join this class.
Portals of Prayer for October-December are available in the Narthex.
Sign Update: Over the next few months you will see the signs go up on Route 3 and on Bottom Avenue. The cost for the new signs will be around $63,000 with around $53,000 coming from the recent Schneider bequest. We are raising at least $10,000 of the total cost from the congregation. So far $5,950 has come in for the signs. If you make a donation to the signs, please place in the check memo “For Church signs”.
Ushers Meeting/New Ushers: If you are interested in being an usher here at Church please call the church office (281-4600). We are planning an ushers meeting after Bible Class and before the second service on Sunday, October 11th at 10am in the sanctuary. This meeting is for all those who have been ushers, and those who would like to be ushers.
Re-Vitality (See attachment) : The core planning team of the Re-Vitality program came up with the core and aspirational values at its Sept. 1st meeting. These values will guide the core planning group in creating a purpose statement at its October meeting. Those serving on the Re-Vitality core planning team are Wanda Gross, David Greatting, Don Radentz, Jean Kirk, Helen Nowak, Kendra Nowak, Kevin Koenigstein, Levi Ottwell, Jeanne AuBuchon and Pastor Krenz
Thank You Cards to the Columbia Police: This week following the Sunday services the Board of Outreach will be delivering thank you cards to our local police. Both blank cards and a box for the signed cards are in the narthex. Please place your cards in the box after the service.
Upcoming Service/Sermon themes:
September 27th: “Encouragement 101” Philippians 2:1-4, 14-18
JOIN US - Our Not-for-Couples-Only Bible Class next study will be the book of Malachi. The Friday, 6:30 p.m. dates are October 9 and November 13. The fellowship hall is the socially distant meeting place. If you'd like to participate at home or in person, please call Pastor Sievers (314-822-2097) so he can provide you with the study guide he has written.

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