April 2008

Applying Bible Principles

            “God Owns It All” is the chapter heading in a book by a Christian author who presents this chapter first as the foundation for money management and giving.
            God does own it all!  That is the teaching of Psalm 24:1 which says, “The earth is the Lord’s.”  Psalm 50:10 says that all of the beasts of the field belong to God, and that the cattle on a thousand hills are His.  Haggai 2:8 says that God even owns the silver and gold in all the mines.
            Now, He allows us to use what rightfully belongs to Him, but God continues to retain the ownership.  We are managers and stewards of what God has entrusted to us.  Someday, when we stand before Him, we shall give an account of what kind of job we have done in managing the resources which God has allowed us to use.
            That’s why every spending decision becomes a spiritual decision.  Every time we use some of God’s money, we are making a decision which has eternal ramifications.
            Are you using the money and possessions as if they belong to you, or are you making spending decisions with the full realization that it all belongs to God?

New  Pew  Cushions In  Place -- New  Carpet On  The  Way

            New cushions for the church pews arrived and were installed during Holy Week, as all who attended worship on Easter Sunday undoubtedly noticed. 
            On April 1st, carpet installation will begin in the sanctuary.  The plan is to have the installation complete by the end of the day on Friday, April 4th. 
            We thank everyone who made these two projects happen, and know that, this much needed replacement of cushions and carpet, will be enjoyed for many years to come.

“Rainforest  Adventure”
A Tree Top Bible Blast!  June 16th – 20th  

            A reminder, once again, that our 2008 Vacation Bible School will be held the week of June 16-20.  The adventure begins on Monday, June 16th, and we’ll gather each morning that week from 9:00 to 11:30 AM.  We hope all the children will join us for a Tree Top Bible Blast.
            Registration forms for this summer’s VBS will be included in the May and June newsletters.  If you would like to help with VBS in any way, please call the church office or contact Marcia Sandlin.

Monday Evening Adult Discussion Group

            After a two week break, the Monday Adult Discussion Group will gather once again on Monday, April 7th,   from 7 – 8:30 pm.  Each Monday evening, in April, and continuing into May, we will discuss a chapter from “Lutheran Questions, Lutheran Answers” a book by Martin E. Marty.  Each week stands on its own, so even if you miss a week or two, you are welcome to join us.  The subject of our questions in week one (April 7th) is “God”.  Please join us!

St. Paul’s  2008-09
Congregational Council

            Our sincere appreciation is extended to all who will be serving and working on our congregational council in the coming year.  Thank you to those who terms continue; and a very special congratulations and thank you to those who were elected and re-elected at our annual meeting on March 9th. 

Vice President – Sue Duzan
Education Chair – Cindy Duncil
Property Chair – David Rahe
Fellowship Chair – Jody Dunn
Youth Representative – Kellee Keiser

            Even though the 2008-09 council has already begun its work, all council members will be recognized and installed during a worship service later in the month of April. 

Commitment  Sunday

            On March 11, 2007, during our Sunday morning worship, everyone present was given the opportunity to make a personal and private worship, time & talent, and financial commitment to God.
            Commitments were written, sealed in individual envelopes, and then placed in a locked box that was set near the altar in our sanctuary.  They have remained there since that time. 
            This year, during worship on Sunday, April 13th, they will be returned to each individual for your own personal evaluation.  If you participated last year by completing a written commitment, but won’t be able to be with us on the 13th, please stop by the church office after the 13th to pick up your envelope.   
            We hope that this simple exercise was, and will be, meaningful for each one of us as we respond in thanksgiving to God for the great gifts that fill our lives each day.
            We also hope to repeat this private commitment process, for the coming year, at a Sunday later in April or in early May.      
            If you have any thoughts or questions about Commitment Sunday, please talk to Pastor Ken.

Dear Friends,

            As I mentioned at the end of my sermon last Sunday – for me, Easter is the best day of the year.  Easter re-affirms my faith, reassures me of God’s love, and makes God’s promise of life come alive in me.  I know that I am loved and cared for, and that I belong to God forever.
            Our Easter Sunday worship this year was a wonderful celebration of life.  What a joy it was to sing “Jesus Christ is Risen Today” accompanied by hand bells and organ.  What a delight it was to visit with all the children who came forward for Children’s Time.  What a pleasure it was to greet each of you with the thrilling good news that Jesus is Risen, He is Risen, Indeed!  Alleluia!
            I hope you all realize that the celebration of Easter is more then a one-day-a-year event.  On the church year calendar, the season of Easter is fifty days long, beginning on Easter Sunday and culminating on Pentecost.  For the early Christian Church, every Sunday was a celebration of Easter Resurrection.  In the church today, that same spirit continues – or, at least, I pray that it does. 
            What about for you?  For how long will you celebrate Easter Resurrection?  Will the life Jesus gives impact your life everyday?  See you in worship next Sunday.
                        Yours In Christ,
                                                Pastor Ken

Palm Sunday Children’s Program

            The Holy Week program presented by the children of the congregation on Palm/Passion Sunday was wonderful.   What a moving experience it was to hear the children tell the account of this very special week for Christians everywhere.  We hope that all of you were able to be with us.
            A very deep-felt thank you is extended to Kris Whitley, Carolyn Meier, and the entire Sunday School staff for all of their work.  And an extra special thank you goes out to the children. 
 

First Communion Class

            Fifth grade students met on four Wednesday evenings during Lent to prepare for their first communion.  We welcome Cole Deming, Caitlin Fenton, Olivia Klump, Brenden Meier, and Jacob Mutchler to our Lord’s Table. 

Hymns You Request

            On sundays and weekdays in March, we sang the following hymns which were requested by you . . .
Were You There
Alas and Did My Saviour Bleed
Beneath the Cross of Jesus
Jesus Christ Is Risen Today
I Know That My Redeemer Lives
Amazing Grace
What Feast of Love
Go, My Children, with My Blessing

Beyond Our Walls

In March . . .
            With springtime arriving, the donations that were given to Beyond our Walls in March will be used to help support the Illinois Special Olympics. 

In April  . . .
            The Beyond our Walls project for April is the new ELCA Mission start in Highland, IL.  Please give to help spread to the good news.

Thank You Notes Received

            Thank you for my Bible. 
                                    Scooter Jolliff

            Thank you to all my church family for your prayers, cards, and phone calls during my recent gall bladder surgery.  I appreciate everyone’s love and concern.
                                Marcia Sandlin

“Quilting”

            The ladies will be meeting each Thursday in April at 9 a.m. to work on quilts.  We will also be meeting on Tuesday, April  22nd at 6:30 p.m. so those who work during the day can come and help.  Hope to see you any or all of those dates.

Spaghetti Supper Thank You

            Many thanks to everyone who helped with our Annual Spaghetti Supper.  We appreciate your dedication to St. Paul’s and the Hope Circle.  We do many important and worthwhile things with the money we earn and are grateful to those who feel it is important to take time to help us earn that money.  Thanks to those who helped with sauce and to everyone who  worked on Friday for the lunch deliveries and the supper shifts.  We couldn’t have done it without you.  It isn’t just a 4 hour project.  It takes several days and lots of workers to make it happen.   We again made enough money to apply for matching funds of $1,300.00 through Thrivent.  Thanks So Much!!!!!!!

Rummage Sale At St. Paul’s

            St. Paul’s will hold a church-wide rummage sale on Friday, April 25th, from 11 am to 5 pm; and on Saturday, April 26th, from 8 am to noon, in the church basement / fellowship hall.
            So start cleaning out those drawers, closets, attics, garages, cabinets, etc. and be watching for details about when to bring your rummage items to church.  We will also need volunteers to set up before the sale on Thursday and to be on hand that Friday and Saturday.  Thank you, in advance, for your help.

Synod Assembly Delegates Needed

            If you’re interested in serving as one of our congregation’s delegates to the Central/Southern Illinois Synod Assembly in Springfield, from May 29th to 31st, (Thursday to Saturday) please talk to Pastor Ken or Charles Moody by April 14th.

Laity Prayer Retreat

            An invitation has been extended, through the synod office, to members of churches in our area to attend the inaugural laity prayer retreat.  It will be held at Toddhall Retreat Center (near Columbia, IL) on May 2nd and 3rd.  The cost is $65 per person and includes lodging (based on double occupancy) and meals.  Registration deadline is April 18th.  For more information, please contact Melissa Idleman, 217-469-2786; or talk to Pastor Ken.

Foods Resource Bank

            Zion Lutheran Church in Mt. Olive is participating in a special hunger relief project this year.  Members will plant five acres of soy beans this spring.  After the crop is marketed, the proceeds will be used to help farmers in poor countries to develop sustainable food sources for themselves and their communities.  If you would like more information about the project, or want to get involved, please call Pastor Ben Fiore at 217-999-4781.

Return To St. Paul's Home Page