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03/22/25

6 And he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. 7 And he said to the vinedresser, ‘Look, for three years now I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it down. Why should it use up the ground?’ 8 And he answered him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and put on manure. 9 Then if it should bear fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’” Luke 13:6-9

Friends and Members of St. Paul’s,

Our gospel reading on Sunday covers two teachings of Jesus that initially do not seem to connect to one another. The first has to do with Jesus statement in response to several lives that were lost in following a conflict with the Romans in a worship setting, and when a tower fell and killed 18 people. Rather than blame the Romans or the victims , Jesus used these situations as a reminder of their/our mortality as he states “Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” (Hear more on this text in the sermon this Sunday). The second is the above parable which conveys His patience waiting for the fig tree to bear fruit in the vineyard. The Scriptures in both the New and Old Testament show that God is more patient that we are when it comes to salvation. It is not unlimited (see verse 9 , but it is much greater than our patience. As your patience with others and even yourself grows thin, remember God in Christ Jesus is at work, patiently bringing repentance and salvation in ways and with those you would not expect.

Blessings,

Pastor Krenz

Worship this Sunday and Monday- This week’s theme “A Biblical Response to Tragedy” Luke 13:1-9

Calling another church worker?

Recently the youth committee along with the board of education, board of elders, and the church council have been discussing the possibility of calling another church worker. As a result of the congregational planning process completed four years ago our congregation entered the Director of Christian Education intern program. Sam Wegner (now Davis) served in that position for one year, and we hoped to have another intern in either of the next two years. However, due to the small number of DCE interns coming out of our Concordia’s we did not receive another student even though we did apply for one. Thankfully, we were able to secure the services of Michael Ewert to assist us with the middle school and high school youth this year. As part of the congregational planning process, it was the intention in 2025 to consider calling a full time Director of Christian Education or Deaconess. To help the congregation prayerfully consider such a decision we will share throughout the spring the potential blessings and challenges in having another full-time church worker here at St. Paul’s. Please pick up the first draft of the DCE job description in the church entryway, and feel free to make suggestions to any of the elders, pastor and/or church council members. A final decision on whether to call such a worker will not be made until at least the July Voter’s meeting. -Church Council

March 27th Trivia Night “Back to the 90’s” Doors Open 5:30 pm - Trivia Begins 6 pm. St. Paul’s Fellowship Hall $25/per $100/5 per table Contact Amanda Douglas at 314-221-6700 to purchase tickets - - - Prizes after Every Round! Beverages ,Hotdogs, Snacks, available for purchase All Proceeds Benefit Eve’s Restoration Ministries For more information about our mission, visit our website:evesrestorationministries.org (Attached is the trivia night brochure…please share)

Revelation Highlights: Join us at 9:15am on Sunday morning as we resume our study in the book of Revelation. This class will cover key chapters and themes in this encouraging but often misunderstood book. This week we look at Rev.17-18.

Children’s Sunday School “The King Arrives” serves as the theme for this week’s lesson. Following Jesus’ unusual directions, two disciples bring a donkey and her young colt to transport Jesus into Jerusalem. Throwing their cloaks upon the colt, they proceed into the city. There, the crowds spread their cloaks on the road and cut palm branches to line the way as they shout, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” (Matthew 21:9).

A visit from the new Southern Illinois District President. On Sunday, March 30 , Rev. Heath R. Curtis, will be joining us for worship. He will also be making a presentation during the Bible Class hour about cultural and demographic change, the four problems this raises for every Christian church in America, and how to faithfully respond in our congregation. Everyone in the church is encouraged to come and hear this engaging and information presentation!

High School Administrator needed at Christ our Savior Lutheran High School in Evansville, IL starting July 1st, 2025. If you know of someone who might be interested Call 618-853-7300.

Thank you to everyone who helped, donated and/or shopped at the rummage sale "last Saturday" We could not have done it without your help! The proceeds will help send 3 possibly 4 students to the National Youth Gathering in New Orleans this July.

National Youth Gathering The LCMS National Youth Gathering is this July 19-23 in New Orleans, LA. We have had a great time going as a group in the past! Please contact Michael or Pr. Krenz for the registration document.

Next Food Pantry: April 2nd 1:30 to 3 pm3/19 Served: 20 Families=34 Adults & 13 ChildrenPantry Needs: Brownie Mix; Cereal

Life Network is having its annual banquet on Thursday, April 3 at the Falls in Columbia. Contact Kevin Koenigstein for more details.

Outreach Training Survey From the Would you like some training or encouragement to help you share your faith in word or deed with someone whom you spiritually care or are concerned about? Please complete and place in Survey Box as found in the Church Entryway (Narthex) by Sunday March 23rd . Board of Christian Outreach.

Lenten Devotions This year we have Adult and Family Devotion pamphlets. Pease pick them up in the church entry way. Feel free to take an extra for a friend or neighbor.

Wedding Card Shower for Andrew and Beth Borseth (Our Seminarian) who were married on Saturday, March 15th. In celebration of their wedding the congregation will be having a card shower for them on Sunday, March 30th. You can bring your cards at any time, and place them in the “card shower box” at church. –The Church Council