January/February 2010 Ash Wednesday Worship on February 17th This year, the season of Lent begins a bit earlier . . . on February 17th. Once again, we’ll gather at a special worship service, which will include the Imposition of Ashes and the celebration of Holy Communion. Please join us at 7:00 pm on February 17th for worship.
The Sign of Jonah Jonah . . . for Lent? Sounds fishy, but it’s a natural fit. When the Jews asked Jesus for a sign, he said, “I will give you only the sign of Jonah.” After three days in the belly of the earth, Jesus rose with news of God’s prodigal grace. This series of special services for Lent explores the meaning of “The Sign of Jonah” as we follow Jonah on his journey . . . and Jesus on his way to the cross.
Personal Lenten Devotions – A Book of Faith Lenten Journey As part of our challenge to become more fluent in the language of scripture, the Book of Faith Initiative has developed two special devotional books to guide us in our Lenten journey.
Confirmation Class during the Lenten Season Because of our mid-week worship schedule during lent, confirmation class for seventh and eighth grade students will be held from 6:15 to 6:45 pm from February 24th to March 24th. There will be no confirmation class on Ash Wednesday, February 17th. Youth Group Meetings during the Lenten Season Because of our mid-week worship schedule during Lent, youth group from February 24th to March 24th, for junior and senior high students, will begin immediately following the worship service and will end at the regular 8:30 time. There will be no youth group on Ash Wednesday, February 17th. 2010 Budget Adopted Our annual budget meeting was held after worship on Sunday, January 10th. The proposed budget for 2010, which was adopted, is almost identical to the 2009 budget. Copies are available at church for any who were unable to attend the meeting.
God’s Purpose For Our Congregation As part of our ongoing effort to focus on God’s Purpose for our Congregation, all members of the congregation are invited to join us at 8:45 am on Sunday, January 17th, in the fellowship hall. We will share breakfast and conversation, as we study and work to discover the direction God is leading us in doing his work.
Monday Night Adult Discussion Group The Adult Discussion Group, which gathers for discussion from 7 – 8:30 every Monday evening, is continuing its study in the “People of Faith Series.” On January 18th, we’ll focus on the prophet Jeremiah; and on the 25th, we’ll take a look at “Poor Ol’ Job”. Then, on February 1st, we’ll begin an eight week discussion on the book of Genesis. Making Sense of Scripture Last fall, the Monday evening discussion group spent seven weeks studying “Making Sense of Scripture.” We dealt with questions like: Where did the Bible come from? Is the Bible true? And, How can I read the Bible with greater understanding? There are some who are wondering if we would repeat this study. If you are interested, please let Pastor Ken or Charles Moody know and, if there is enough interest, we’ll conduct this study/discussion again on a day and time that is convenient for those who would like to be a part of it. Thanks
Dear Friends, It’s been cold. No, it’s been very cold. I know, we didn’t set a record; and, by the time you read this we will have had at least a few days of warmer weather; but still, it’s been cold.
Thank You Once again we are blessed by the thoughtfulness of our St. Paul’s family. We thank you for your many Christmas cards and gifts this year. I want to thank you also for the envelopes with monetary gifts. This year the money I received was the exact amount that I needed to renew my annual membership at Fusion.
Youth attending Gathering at RendLake February 19-21 Texting Luke 4:1-14 – “It Is Written” will be the theme around which we will gather this year at Rend Lake. The gathering, for all junior high and senior high students, happens from February 19th to 21st this year. Details will be discussed at our regular Wednesday evening Youth Group meetings; and your completed registration must be mailed on February 1st. If youth or parents have any questions about the gathering at Rend Lake, please call Pastor Ken.
Basement Floor Covering Because of bad weather, installation of the new flooring for the basement entryway and the storage room will be rescheduled. Please continue to keep you ears open for more details. And if you would like to help, talk with our property chair, Dave Rahe.
Baobab Blast: 2010 Vacation Bible School Set in the expansive African savannah, under the impressive baobab tree, kids will have the opportunity to listen to God’s Word, be amazed at God’s wildlife creations, and be part of a community of believers.
Hymns You Request We appreciate those who share their thoughts about hymns for use during worship. This year, during the Advent and Christmas seasons, we sang the following specifically requested hymns and carols... Here I Am Lord
Applying Bible Principles God uses money in a variety of ways in the lives of his children. One of the most important ways God uses money is to confirm direction. Simply stated, God uses the supply of money, or the lack of it, to confirm his direction for many of the decisions we must make in life.
Beyond Our Walls In December . . . In January . . . In February . . .
Letters Dear St. Paul’s,
Dear St. Paul’s Parish,
Dear Friends,
Prayers are Extended Our prayers and sympathy to Ruth and Betty Darda on the passing of their husband and brother, Jerry Darda. Sewing The ladies of the church continue to sew on Thursday mornings at 9 a.m. We are in the process of making lap robes for our nursing homes. We would love to have more help. Please come and join us on Thursday mornings for fun, fellowship and a good cause.
Help with Soup & Sandwich Our Lenten Soup & Sandwich will once again begin on Ash Wednesday. There is a sign up sheet on the bulletin board. Please help out when you are able. Soup & Sandwich is a great time for fellowship & good food.
Annual Spaghetti Supper Just a reminder that our Annual Spaghetti Supper will be held on Friday, April 9th. Mark your calendars as we need lots of help that day. We will probably be serving carry outs and deliveries at noon like we did last year. So we will need more help during the daytime.
Lots of Thank Yous Many thanks to those who helped put up our Christmas tree, decorate it, and undecorated it. They are as follows: David Rahe, Jack Mutchler, Bryan Deming, Brandon Wille, Jim Brinkman, Kimber, Cole & Dalton Deming, Sarah, Patti & Cassidy McHenry, Earl, Carolyn, Brian, Shannon, Brenden, Kylie & Brady Meier, Russell Rhoades & Helen Brinkman. Thank you to Carolyn Meier, Helen Brinkman, Donna Wille, and Anita Swick for putting up the decorations in the sanctuary and hallway. And thanks to Jim Brinkman, Earl & Carolyn Meier and Pastor Ken for putting up our nativity scene. Thanks to Jim & Helen Brinkman, Earl & Carolyn Meier, and Anita Swick for delivering the poinsettias and cookies to our shut ins this year. Thanks to Jody Dunn and her Fellowship committee for the delicious wassail and cookies that we enjoyed after the children’s Christmas program. Thanks to Kris Whitley, Carolyn Meier, the Sunday School teachers, and all the children for the great program we enjoyed on December 20th. We appreciate your hard work. Thanks to Patti McHenry for helping me fold this newsletter. Also, thanks to Patti, Jim & Helen Brinkman and Carolyn Meier for their help with the newsletter this past year. I am sorry if I have forgotten anyone else who have helped me. I appreciate your time. Grateful thanks to all who donated food and worked at the funeral dinner for Jerry Darda.
Other Notices St. Paul’s week for Meals On Wheels is February 8th thru February 12th. Please sign up on the bulletin board when you can help. Casual Sunday and Coffee & Conversation will be held on Valentine’s Day. Hope to see you there. The end of the year financial statements on in the back of the sanctuary. Please pick yours up so we don’t have to mail them. Thank you. The following dates remain open on the flower calendar for 2010 at St. Paul’s. The cost each week is $15.00 and the florist arranges for the flowers to be delivered. If you would like to reserve one of these dates, please call the church office at 532-2353.
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