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04/17/26

“Love one another earnestly from a pure heart, since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God”. 1 Peter 1:22 (This is from Sunday’s Epistle reading)

Friends and members of Christ,

Martin Luther once wrote “The love of God does not find but creates that which is lovable.” When it comes to loving others, which everyone thinks we should do, we often look for people who have loveable qualities. Christian love centered in the sacrificial love of Christ, is very different. In the above verse from 1 Peter, we are reminded that love from a pure heart is centered not in the person we are loving, but rather in our being born again through the living and abiding word of God. As a result, even if our love for others is not returned, we are called to keep at it. The look of that love is debatable. For example, it is loving for parent to set a curfew for one’s teenage child, but it may also be loving to occasionally loosen or change that curfew. How to love is debatable in Christian circles but the act of love, even for the unlovable, is not. Have a blessed weekend.

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Krenz

Sermon Theme: This Sunday/Monday sermon theme is titled “Responding to the Call of Christ” based on Acts 2:14,36-41

Sunday Morning Adult Bible Class: This Sunday morning adult Bible Class will be in the book of Luke starting at 9:15am. The class is continuing its study of Luke by looking at chapters 22 & 23 which describes Jesus’ journey to the Cross.

Sunday School for all Ages: 9:15am-10:15am

Considering the Call: Linaya Kolke is considering the call to serve here at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church as our Director of Christian Education. She is considering a visit to St. Paul’s the early part of May. Please pray that God will grant her wisdom to discern whether to take this position or stay in her present congregation at Little Rock, Arkansas.

Life with God Classes: A new 10–12 week adult information/membership class begins Sunday, May 17 at 4:00 p.m. The class covers the key beliefs of the Lutheran faith. Meeting times can be adjusted to accommodate summer schedules. For more information, contact Pastor Krenz at 618-363-012 or the church office

Food Pantry Update: Needs: Canned Ravioli/SpaghettiOs, Pasta Sides 4/15 Served:18 Families = 35 Adults + 11 Children. Egg Cartons needed but not the 18 count. Next Food Pantry Distribution- May 6th 1:30-3pm.

Annual Spring Congregational/Voter’s meeting: April 28th, 6:30pm.

Church Council Meeting: This Tuesday at 7pm (Note the change from 6:30pm-7pm)

May Newsletter Articles, Pictures, Calendar Items-Due Monday, April 20.

🌶Fellowship Chili Supper Join us on Sunday, April 26, 5 –7 pm ! This congregational and community event will support two ministries: half of all free‑offerings will go to our Food Pantry, and half will support Eve’s Restoration. Members and friends are invited to bring chili or needed side dishes. If you plan to attend—or if you can help by bringing chili or a side—please sign up in the back. -Hosted by the Stewardship Committee

Pre-School Registration is now open for the 2026-2027 school year! If you know a family looking for a nurturing, high quality, Christ-centered preschool experience, they may contact our preschool Director, Shelly Augustin for more details about our program. 618-281-4190. Sign up soon—only 3-4 spots left.

Comforts of Love Quilters: We need additional assistance to sew bindings on the quilts that our quilters make. Any sewers out there this would be a wonderful way to get involved and help out. The quilters meet on Tuesday mornings from 9am-10:30am.

Gateway Grizzlies Fellowship Event Wednesday, May 27th at 6:45 pm A night at the ballpark! (gates Open 5:45) Sign up in the narthex! Ticket includes a meal.

Due to a generous donation, each of the tickets ordered are free of charge. However, we are asking that each person attending bring at least $10 that will go toward a mission project (to be determined). Sign Up Deadline: Tuesday, May 19th.

Summer Worship Schedule- Starting 5/31 Sundays 9 am Divine Worship Service. 10:15 am Bible Study for all Ages. Mondays 6:30 pm Divine Worship Service

Tropical Trek! VBS 2026-Save the Dates: June 8th – 12th

Needing Various Decorating Items for VBS: Palm tree decor (inflatable, hangable, or attachable to a wall)Leaf banners/décor, Tropical animal decorations or stuffed animals, Tropical flower decor - banners, fake florals, flower leis, Rattan/grass skirts, A large piece, or small roll of kraft/butcher paper (ideally 4 ft by 16 ft). If you are interested in donating or lending any of these items for VBS AND/OR interested in putting together decorations before we decorate on June 6th and 7th, or you have interest in helping to place/hang decorations on those dates, please text Carleigh at 618-719-9307. If lending, please just make sure to label your items in some way. If donating, many items can be found on Amazon or at the Dollar Tree. We typically decorate the Narthex, the children’s room, the hallways leading to the sites, and the fellowship hall. We do have some things at church but will need a few more things for this year’s program.