Issue: XXXVI.a

September 3, 2023

Stewardship Thought for the Week

Matthew 16:26 – “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?” He who dies with the most toys … is dead. But the one who trusts in the Lord, even though he dies, yet shall he live. We live out our trust in the Lord by faithfully fulfilling the roles God has given us to play in home, church and society as loving, generous people. Those who don’t know the Lord are afraid to be generous because they think that what they give away is lost to them. But we who know the Lord know that the things of this world become true blessings when they are used for God’s kingdom.

LUTHERAN BATTLE FOR THE BIBLE SERIES… How did the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod defend itself 50 years ago from a liberal approach to the Bible? Issues, Etc., a radio talk show and podcast produced by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, IL, recently interviewed several guests about the Lutheran battle for the Bible. You can listen to the entire series at your convenience at issuesetc.org/battleforthebible.

Worship Service Information

Order of Service: Divine Service III

Hymns

  • Hail, Thou Once Despised Jesus
  • How Deep the Father’s Love for Us
  • O Christ, Who Called the Twelve
  • When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
  • Son of God, Eternal Savior

Readings

  • Jeremiah 15:15-21
  • Romans 12:9-21
  • Matthew 16:21-28

Book of the Month

What’s so special about Baptism?

In Baptism, you become the human God created you to be.  In The Baptismal River, you will examine how God weaves themes of Baptism throughout the Old and New Testaments.  Discover God’s deeper purpose for Baptism in this eight-unit study for groups or individuals!

Order at Concordia Publishing House or Amazon.com (kindle)

Serving Schedule

Serving Next Week

If you are unable to keep your scheduled serving day, please contact the church at least a few days before the service so there is time to find a replacement. Thank you!

What is Lifetree Cafe, and why is St. Paul’s doing it?  Simply put, Lifetree Cafe is an opportunity for St. Paul’s to reach out into the community through simple and helpful conversation, to fulfill our mission to “Grow together as God’s family in worship, fellowship, outreach, education, and service,” and to help those in our community who do not know the love of Christ.

Every first and third Wednesday, beginning September 20th (7:00pm), the fellowship hall will be setup like a comfortable, cozy, and FREE “cafe” where everyone is welcome to come, enjoy delicious cafe food and beverages, and to take part in a 1-hour conversation-centered experience led by a series of video-based topics and pre-scripted questions and activities.  Topics range from simple, day-to-day matters such as stress, vacations, family issues, and even to matters of faith, theology, and spirituality.

Every member of St. Paul’s is invited and encouraged to attend, and to invite friends.  In fact, your inviting people to Lifetree Cafe is VERY important!  While there will be plenty of marketing throughout the community and online, word-of-mouth is always the best way.  You are also encouraged to volunteer.  We will need baristas (people who make coffee-based drinks) and servers, and on occasion we’ll need someone to lead the discussion.

Speak to Pastor if you have interest or have more questions about Lifetree Cafe.  And please do pray for this endeavor, that it bear good fruit and draw sinners to the cross of Christ.

Finances & Attendance

Please continue to prayerfully commit to supporting the ministry of St. Paul’s through your regular offerings, and to take part in the worship and educational opportunities afforded.  St. Paul’s is here for you, your kids, and your neighbor!

Dave Anderson and Roger Walck Concert

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church is hosting Dave Anderson and Roger Walck in concert on Friday, September 22nd at 7:00 pm.

Dave and Roger have a combined 100 years’ experience in music ministry!  There will be sing alongs, familiar songs and hymns, lots of laughs and more.

Dave and Roger are also ambassadors for Shepherd’s Canyon Retreat, a retreat for church workers who are facing burn-out, stress, depression, or other conflicts.  Shepherd’s Canyon Retreat is in Arizona.

You will also hear about the harrowing and famous “Rescue,” a plane crash in the Bering Sea in August of 1993, a story well known throughout the Lutheran church.

Come, listen, sing, and enjoy Dave Anderson and Roger Walck in concert, September 22nd!  And as always, bring a friend or two.

Prayer Requests

Tom Litfin

Ray Halgren

Rev. Tim Lamkin

Gary Anderson

Gary Asher

Marlene Krotzer

"In doing what we ought we deserve no praise because it is our duty."

Are you saving your Teals receipts and turning them in?  Every dollar you spend at Teals returns a percentage back to St. Paul’s, but you have to save your receipts and turn them in regularly.  Speak to Jane Marquardsen if you have questions!

The first day of Sunday School is September 17th!  To celebrate the occasion, we will open the year with a call to all our kids and their friends to join us for an outdoor service, followed by and opening celebration in the Sanctuary.

It’s time for our kids to return to church and to learn about their Lord and Savior!  Let’s work to make this year’s Sunday School full of kids, youth, and adults.

Join us on September 17th for the outdoor service where we dedicated the Jean Larsen & Joyce VanDonsel Memorial Garden!  

Continuing this Sunday, the Sunday morning Adult class will walk through the second module of the Re:Vitality series.  This module deals with inactive members and how to reach out to them and encourage them to return to regular worship.  Remember, this is about eternal life matters!  We should not let our inactives slip too far from us.  Please attend this video-driven module which will run through August and part of September.

Men, join us for Bible Study every Thursday evening at 6:30!  We are studying the Book of Romans.  This study is open to all men in the congregation/community.  If you’ve not been to a Bible Study in a while, why not join us?  You WILL learn much and your faith will grow!