Noteworthy News

Noteworthy News 1/29/12

2012-01-27T08:50:00.006-06:00

NEWSLETTER The February newsletter and calendar are available to view on the church website.

SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS The Sunday School lesson for this week focuses on the story of "Jesus and the Little children." In our sin, we are like small children: helpless, dependent, and needy. So Jesus came to bestow His love and eternal gifts upon us. Parents could discuss, "How did Jesus show His compassion on these little children? How does Jesus shower His compassion on us?"

On Sunday, February 12 the Sunday School youth will be singing at Hallmark Care Center during the Sunday School hour and also during the 9am worship service. We'll start Sunday School at 8am and leave for the care center at 8:15. Contact Sonya Sullivan for more information.

Mission Update: The Sunday School youth have surpassed their goal of $150. Great job Sunday School youth!! We are going to continue to collect mission contributions through May. We will continue to update the wall. We are also asking for matching funds from congregation members. Matching contributions may be given to Sonya Sullivan or placed in the offering plate designated "Sunday School Mission Matching." We appreciate your support!

MEN'S BREAKFAST will be Saturday, February 4 at 8am at the church. Contact Jeff Adrian for more information.

PICTORIAL DIRECTORY ONLINE Our 2011 Lifetouch Pictorial Directory is now available online. To access the directory, go to www.splcmv.org and click on the link that is posted on the home page below the staff pictures. Each member has their own user id and password. All members listed in the directory roster receive an id and password even if your picture was not taken or submitted. A letter with your user information and details on how to utilize the online directory as well as updating your personal profile has been placed in your church mailbox. Please pick up your information the next time you are in church. If you have any questions, please call the church office at 895-8772.

LWR KITS The Priscilla Guild will be collecting items for personal care kits for Lutheran World Relief. Items needed for one kit are as follows:

One bath-size towel 52" x 27" (dark color recommended)
Two bath-size bars of soap (4-5 oz. any brand) in original packaging
One adult-size toothbrush in original packaging
One sturdy comb
One metal nail clippers

Place donations in the basket in the Narthex. Please donate whatever you can, you do not have to donate a whole kit. Every little bit helps!

10:15 BIBLE STUDY Join us after worship for a Bible study on worship. Starting on Sunday, January 29, we will be using the LifeLight program to study Christian worship. The program includes study questions during the week, discussion and lectures. The class will begin after service (10:15-10:30) and end by 11:30.

CARE PACKAGES will be available for Cornell students attending the February 5 worship service. Care packages will be distributed the first Sunday of every month.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL Picture sunny days, green grass and the kids are out of school for the summer...It's hard to imagine, but it's time to start planning for Vacation Bible School! It's time to think about who will be our VBS director. May YOU would like an opportunity to serve that includes choosing the dates, selecting materials, coordinating VBS leaders and volunteers, etc. You wouldn't have to do it alone. The past VBS directors will help you, and the manual tells you everything you need to do. Interested in learning more? Contact Sue Margheim or Julie Baumler.

SUMMER REGISTRATION FOR CAMP IO-DIS-E-CA is now open. Early bird deadlines are Feb. 13 and April 16. Scholarships are available to campers who come from family units that have never before sent children to Camp Io-Dis-E-Ca. See the flyer on the bulletin for more information. Some registration forms are available on the main table in the Narthex, or go to www.campiodiseca.org to register online.

Financial aid money has been made available through our church to help youth experience Camp Io-Dis-E-Ca this summer. We would like for the money to go to youth who would not be able to otherwise experience camp due to financial limitations. Depending on the interest, an entire registration may be covered. If you have a child, or know of a child or family who would benefit from this opportunity, please contact Crysten. If you need more information about which camps are available and when they are happening, there are brochures on the table in the Narthex or go to www.campiodiseca.org.

THANK YOU to all who helped deliver Meals on Wheels in December: Carol Wulf, Dennis & Cheryl Uthof, Julie Golberg, Dale Maas, Florence Hill & Lorena Freiburger.

SPECIAL SERVICE AT TRINITY The purification of Mary and Presentation of our Lord is a principal feast of Christ and will be celebrated at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids on Thursday, February 2 at 6pm. Come follow the mother of our Lord to the temple to present the Lamb of God as we gather at church for the presentation of that Lamb to us in His Word. See with Simeon our Lord's salvation as we too hold the Messiah in our hands as we receive the Sacrament. This is a special service called Candlemas, in which we will us our individual candles during the service and hear a special guest preacher, Rev. Max Mons of St. Paul's Lutheran Chapel, Iowa City. May the Light of the World illumine our darkness!

A silver teardrop earring was found in my office last Friday after Bonnie Moore's funeral. If it is yours, you can pick it up by the keyboard in my office. Tracy

SPECIAL PRAYERS THIS WEEK Matt Wieben, Marjorie Legband, Allan Legband, Family of Bonnie Moore, Family of Mort Mortensen, Jim Schmidt, Susan Schmidt, Lorena Freiburger, Alycia Bentley, Family of David Wilcox, Sr.

NEWS FROM DIRECTOR OF FAMILY LIFE MINISTRY

Our next Sr. High youth night will be Sunday, January 29 from 6-8pm. We'll continue our Catholicism discussion and play Sardines or some other in-the-dark game.

Senior High youth are invited to my house on Sunday, February 5 at 5pm for the Big Game! We'll have delicious subs, play commercial bingo and cheer on our favorite teams. Plan on it!

There are Valentine's Day cards for sale in the Dayspring card display. They cost only $1, and it is an easy way to support your youth.

Crysten

Last week: 1/22/12
Worship: 67; Sunday School: Adult-9 Children-20; 10:15 Bible Study: na; Wednesday Evening Prayer Service: 22

Contributions:
Last Week: $ 2,617 Goal $ 2,791
This Year: $ 9,279 Goal $11,164

***In case of inclement weather during this winter season, please refer to KCRG, KWWL or KGAN for church closing information. In the event that time precludes closing, use safety and godly common sense as a guide!***

Noteworthy News 1/22/12

2012-01-20T10:28:00.003-06:00

NEWSLETTER articles for the February newsletter are due to Tracy Sunday, January 22. Thank you.

VOTERS' ASSEMBLY The quarterly voters' assembly will be Sunday, January 22, 2012. The meeting and a potluck brunch will follow the worship service. All members are encouraged to attend.

SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS Today in Sunday School the children learned the story "Jesus Calls Matthew." We sinners rejoice, for we, too, have been called from out own pigsty of sin to dine with Jesus around His table, and to be a friend of the friend of sinners. Consider discussing, "How did Jesus call Matthew to be one of His followers? How and why does Jesus call us to follow Him?"

SOUND SYSTEM ADDITION We are considering adding an addition to our sound system to help the hearing impaired. We need to know the number of people that would use this service. Please email secretary@splcmv.org or contact Jeff Adrian if you need help hearing the worship service. Contact Jeff Adrian for more information.

ALTAR FLOWERS There is a flower chart for 2012 posted on the bulletin board. If you would like to provide altar flowers, please sign your name and write the occasion for which the flowers are being provided.

LWR KITS During January the Priscilla Guild will be collecting items for personal care kits for Lutheran World Relief. Items needed for one kit are as follows:

One bath-size towel 52" x 27" (dark color recommended)
Two bath-size bars of soap (4-5 oz. any brand) in original packaging
One adult-size toothbrush in original packaging
One sturdy comb
One metal nail clippers

Place donations in the basket in the Narthex. Please donate whatever you can, you do not have to donate a whole kit. Every little bit helps!

PARISH NURSING If you or anyone you know of is interested in parish nursing or congregational health ministries, please contact me as I have information regarding upcoming conferences. Go to www.lcms.org/page.aspx?;pid=507 for more information and and explanation of parish nursing and congregational health ministries. Tracy

SPECIAL PRAYERS THIS WEEK Matt Wieben, Marjorie Legband, Family of Bonnie Moore, Family of Mort Mortensen, Jim Schmidt, Alycia Bentley

NEWS FROM DIRECTOR OF FAMILY LIFE MINISTRY

Our next Sr. High youth night will be Sunday, January 29 from 6-8pm. We'll continue our Catholicism discussion and play Sardines or some other in-the-dark game.

Senior High youth are invited to my house on Sunday, February 5 at 5pm for a Super Bowl viewing party! We'll have delicious subs, play commercial bingo and cheer on our favorite teams. Plan on it!

There are Valentine's Day cards for sale in the Dayspring card display. They cost only $1, and it is an easy way to support your youth.

Crysten

Last week: 1/15/12
Worship: 81; Sunday School: Adult-8 Children-11; 10:15 Bible Study: 9; Wednesday Evening Prayer Service: 19

Contributions:
Last Week: $ 3,134 Goal $ 2,791
This Year: $ 6,661 Goal $ 8,373

***In case of inclement weather during this winter season, please refer to KCRG, KWWL or KGAN for church closing information. In the event that time precludes closing, use safety and godly common sense as a guide!***

Noteworthy News 1/15/12

2012-01-13T10:04:00.010-06:00

NEWSLETTER articles for the February newsletter are due to Tracy Sunday, January 22. Thank you.

SPECIAL OFFERING A special offering for Stephanie and Andy Jones will be taken this Sunday. Please see the sign and basket in the Narthex. Stephanie and Andy are friends of Crysten who are missionaries centered in Frankfurt, Germany.

SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS Today in Sunday School the children studied the calling of Jesus' first disciples with "Jesus Calls Philip and Nathanael." In Jesus, access to heaven is given to all who believe. You might discuss, "How did Philip and Nathanael know that Jesus was the Christ? How do we learn that Jesus is the Christ?"

LENT DEVOTIONALS Lent begins on February 22. We are planning to order a few devotionals that will correspond with the sermon series entitled "God's Gift of Forgiveness." If you would like a devotional, please let Tracy know by January 15 so that we have an idea of how many to order.

FOREVER YOUNG will meet for a potluck on Wednesday, January 18 at 12 noon. Quilters will meet following the potluck at 1pm.

VOTERS' ASSEMBLY The quarterly voters' assembly will be Sunday, January 22, 2012. The meeting and a potluck brunch will follow the worship service. All members are encouraged to attend.

CONGREGATION INITIATIVE IDEAS FOR 2012 As we start another year in service to God and neighbor, now is a good time to consider how best to carry out the work of the kingdom in this community where God has placed us. An email was sent out to members earlier this week with an attachment stating a few suggestions for directing the focus of our congregation that current and incoming members of the council have discussed. Please feel free to critique them and offer other suggestions. The more input and ideas that we can gather, the better we will be able to plan our efforts in the coming year. Please put your thoughts in writing, and turn them in to the church office or Willis Wulf's church mailbox. Or you may email them to the secretary (secretarhy@splcmv.org), Pastor (pastor@splcmv.org) or Willis (Willis.wulf@thrivent.com). Please turn in your thoughts by Wednesday, January 18 so that we can compile them for the voters' assembly on January 22. Thank you.

SOUND SYSTEM ADDITION We are considering adding an addition to our sound system to help the hearing impaired. We need to know the number of people that would use this service. Please email secretary@splcmv.org or contact Jeff Adrian if you need help hearing the worship service. Contact Jeff Adrian for more information.

ALTAR FLOWERS There is a flower chart for 2012 posted on the bulletin board. If you would like to provide altar flowers, please sign your name and write the occasion for which the flowers are being provided.

LWR KITS During January the Priscilla Guild will be collecting items for personal care kits for Lutheran World Relief. Items needed for one kit are as follows:

One bath-size towel 52" x 27" (dark color recommended)
Two bath-size bars of soap (4-5 oz. any brand) in original packaging
One adult-size toothbrush in original packaging
One sturdy comb
One metal nail clippers

Place donations in the basket in the Narthex. Please donate whatever you can, you do not have to donate a whole kit. Every little bit helps!

SPECIAL PRAYERS THIS WEEK Matt Wieben, Marjorie Legband, Bonnie Moore, Evelyn Berends, birth of Ahdley Freiburger, Family of Jenny Husmann (niece of Kim Husmann), Family of Al Clark, Mort Mortensen, Jim Schmidt

NEWS FROM DIRECTOR OF FAMILY LIFE MINISTRY

Our next Sr. High youth night will be Sunday, January 29 from 6-8pm. We'll continue our Catholicism discussion and play Sardines or some other in-the-dark game.

There is a Jr. High retreat for 7th and 8th graders at Camp Io-Dis-E-Ca on Friday-Saturday, January 27-28. I need to know if you're attending, as well as have the forms and checks turned in to me by Sunday, January 15. Thanks!

There are Valentine's Day cards for sale in the Dayspring card display. They cost only $1, and it is an easy way to support your youth.

Crysten

Last week: 1/8/12
Worship: 88; Sunday School: Adult-9 Children-22; 10:15 Bible Study: na; Wednesday Evening Prayer Service: na

Contributions:
Last Week: $ 2,723 Goal $ 2,791
This Year: $ 3,527 Goal $ 5,582

***In case of inclement weather during this winter season, please refer to KCRG, KWWL or KGAN for church closing information. In the event that time precludes closing, use safety and godly common sense as a guide!***

Noteworthy News 1/8/12

2012-01-06T10:20:00.003-06:00

SPECIAL OFFERING We are taking a freewill offering for Lutheran Family Service of Iowa on a quarterly basis (second Sunday of the month). There is a basket in the Narthex. Lutheran Family Service of Iowa is a human service agency that serves individuals, couples, families and children in need through counseling, support groups, etc. For more information go to www.lfsiowa.org.

INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS will be during the worship service on Sunday, January 8.

2012 Officers:
President, Willis Wulf
Vice Pres., Jim Kain
Secretary, Kim Shultz
Treasurer, Vickie Ozburn
Finance, Kim Raim
Fin. Assistant, Susan Adrian
Education, Sonya Sullivan
Elders: Scott Baumler, Mike Lacy, Gary Spiess, Curt Taylor (head Elder), Russ Warner
Trustees: Jeff Adrian, Rick Krob, Darin Snedden

We will also be recognizing outgoing officers. Thank you for your service.

TAKING DOWN CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS We will be taking down and putting away Christmas decorations after church on Sunday, January 8. There will be no 10:15 am Bible study.

SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS The Baptism and temptation of Jesus serves as the lesson focus for Sunday School this week. Jesus is baptized into and takes on our sin, and faces our temptations so we, in baptism, would receive His goodness, His holiness, and His purity. Parents could ask, "Why is it important that Jesus was baptized? Why is it important that we are baptized?"

PRISCILLA GUILD will meet for their monthly business meeting on Thursday, January 12 at 7pm. All women of the congregation are invited to attend.

VOTERS' ASSEMBLY The quarterly voters' assembly will be Sunday, January 22, 2012. The meeting and a potluck brunch will follow the worship service. All members are encouraged to attend.

SOUND SYSTEM ADDITION We are considering adding an addition to our sound system to help the hearing impaired. We need to know the number of people that would use this service. Please email secretary@splcmv.org or contact Jeff Adrian if you need help hearing the worship service. Contact Jeff Adrian for more information.

LENT DEVOTIONALS Lent begins on February 22. We are planning to order a few devotionals that will correspond with the sermon series entitled "God's Gift of Forgiveness." If you would like a devotional, please let Tracy know by January 15 so that we have an idea of how many to order.

ALTAR FLOWERS There is a flower chart for 2012 posted on the bulletin board. If you would like to provide altar flowers, please sign your name and write the occasion for which the flowers are being provided.

TERRI LYNN nuts and candy are for sale again this year. Prices range from $6 to $10 per bag. All proceeds go toward Priscilla Guild mission projects.

LWR KITS During January the Priscilla Guild will be collecting items for personal care kits for Lutheran World Relief. Items needed for one kit are as follows:

One bath-size towel 52" x 27" (dark color recommended)
Two bath-size bars of soap (4-5 oz. any brand) in original packaging
One adult-size toothbrush in original packaging
One sturdy comb
One metal nail clippers

Place donations in the basket in the Narthex. Please donate whatever you can, you do not have to donate a whole kit. Every little bit helps!

SPECIAL PRAYERS THIS WEEK Matt Wieben, Marjorie Legband, Bonnie Moore, Evelyn Berends, Bernice Cords, birth of Ahdley Freiburger, Family of Jenny Husmann (niece of Kim Husmann), Family of Al Clark

NEWS FROM DIRECTOR OF FAMILY LIFE MINISTRY

There will be a Higher Things meeting for all youth attending next summer's conference and their parents on Sunday, January 8 at 5pm. We'll discuss the rest of the year's fundraisers, plan transportation and take care of some other final details. Plan on attending! Sr. High youth night will take place immediately following at 6pm.

Sr. High youth night is Sunday, January 8 at 6pm following the Higher Things meeting. We'll be studying Catholicism and eating Mexican food made by Daniel. Don't miss it!

There is a Sr. High youth lock-in on Friday/Saturday, January 20-21 at the church. We'll start at 7pm and end at 7am. Friends are welcome. This is the first Sr. High lock-in I've done here...it's going to be great. Let's make it epic, shall we?!

There is a Jr. High retreat at Camp Io-Dis-E-Ca on Friday-Saturday, January 27-28. Forms have been handed out to the Jr. High students, and I need them returned to me Sunday, January 15. Be watching Noteworthy News for more information.

Crysten

Last week: 1/1/12
New Year's Eve Worship: 37 New Year's Day Worship: 30 Sunday School: Adult-na Children-na 10:15 Bible Study: na Wednesday Evening Prayer Service: 20

Contributions:
Last Week: $ 804 Goal $ 2,791
This Year: $ 804 Goal $ 2,791

***In case of inclement weather during this winter season, please refer to KCRG, KWWL or KGAN for church closing information. In the event that time precludes closing, use safety and godly common sense as a guide!***

Noteworthy News 1/1/12

2011-12-30T09:49:00.005-06:00

FOOD PANTRY The first Sunday of every month is Food Pantry Sunday. Donations received on this day go to benefit the Southeast Linn Comm. Center Food Pantry. Be sure to pick up an envelope in the Narthex and place your donation in the offering plate during worship.

NEWSLETTER The January newsletter and calendar are available to view on the church website.

SPECIAL OFFERING NEXT SUNDAY We are taking a freewill offering for Lutheran Family Service of Iowa on a quarterly basis (second Sunday of the month). Lutheran Family Service of Iowa is a human service agency that serves individuals, couples, families and children in need through counseling, support groups, etc. For more information go to www.lfsiowa.org.

MIDWEEK will resume on Wednesday, January 4.

MEN'S BREAKFAST will be at the church on Saturday, January 7 at 8am. Contact Jeff Adrian for more information.

INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS will be during the worship service on Sunday, January 8.

SUNDAY SCHOOL will resume on January 8.

LENT DEVOTIONALS Lent begins on February 22. We are planning to order a few devotionals that will correspond with the sermon series entitled "God's Gift of Forgiveness." If you would like a devotional, please let Tracy know by January 15 so that we have an idea of how many to order.

PICTORIAL DIRECTORIES The new pictorial directory is in your church mailbox. Be sure to pick up your mailbox information today.

FELLOWSHIP SIGN-UP for January is on the counter in the fellowship hall.

TERRI LYNN nuts and candy are for sale again this year. Prices range from $6 to $10 per bag. All proceeds go toward Priscilla Guild mission projects.

LWR KITS During January the Priscilla Guild will be collecting items for personal care kits for Lutheran World Relief. Items needed for one kit are as follows:

One bath-size towel 52" x 27" (dark color recommended)
Two bath-size bars of soap (4-5 oz. any brand) in original packaging
One adult-size toothbrush in original packaging
One sturdy comb
One metal nail clippers

Place donations in the basket in the Narthex. Please donate whatever you can, you do not have to donate a whole kit. Every little bit helps!

EPIPHANY SERVICE AT TRINITY Celebrate The Epiphany of Our Lord at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids. On Friday, January 6 at 6pm our Lord will usher us into this fresh season of the Church Year as we gather together with the Magi to rejoice in His arrival. We will be wined and dined through His Divine Service with Holy Communion and His preached Word thanks to our special guest preacher. Admission fee of gold, frankincense and myrrh not necessary.

SPECIAL PRAYERS THIS WEEK Matt Wieben, Marjorie Legband, Bonnie Moore, Carla Wieben, Evelyn Berends, Bernice Cords

NEWS FROM DIRECTOR OF FAMILY LIFE MINISTRY

There will be a Higher Things meeting for all youth attending next summer's conference and their parents on Sunday, January 8 at 5pm. We'll discuss the rest of the year's fundraisers, plan transportation and take care of some other final details. Plan on attending! Sr. High youth night will take place immediately following at 6pm.

Sr. High youth night is next Sunday, January 8 at 6pm following the Higher Things meeting. We'll be studying Catholicism, eating pizza and hanging out! Don't miss it!

There is a Sr. High youth lock-in on Friday/Saturday, January 20-21 at the church. We'll start at 7pm and end at 7am. Friends are welcome. This is the first Sr. High lock-in I've done here...it's going to be great. Let's make it epic, shall we?!

There is a Jr. High retreat at Camp Io-Dis-E-Ca on Friday-Saturday, January 27-28. Forms have been handed out to the Jr. High students, and I need them returned to me Sunday, January 15. Be watching Noteworthy News and the newsletter for more information.

Crysten

Last week: 12/25/11
Chritmas Eve Worship: 140 Christmas Day Worship: 28 Sunday School: Adult-na Children-na 10:15 Bible Study: na

Contributions:
Last Week: $ 3,924 Goal $ 2,819
This Year: $166,953 Goal $146,569

***In case of inclement weather during this winter season, please refer to KCRG, KWWL or KGAN for church closing information. In the event that time precludes closing, use safety and godly common sense as a guide!***

Noteworthy News 12/25/11

2011-12-23T08:30:00.004-06:00

NEWSLETTER articles for the January newsletter will be due to Tracy Sunday, Dec. 25. Thank you!

PASTOR will be out of the office Tuesday through Friday this coming week. In case of emergency call the church office or Pastor's cell.

LADIES' BIBLE STUDY There will be no Thursday morning ladies' Bible study this week.

NEW YEAR'S EVE We will have a new year's eve worship service with communion on Saturday, January 31 at 6:30pm.

INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS will be during the worship service on Sunday, January 8.

SUNDAY SCHOOL will resume on January 8.

MIDWEEK will resume on January 4.

ST. PAUL APPAREL including long-sleeve t-shirts, short-sleeve t-shirts, crew neck sweatshirts and hooded sweatshirts are available for members to purchase in both youth and adult sizes. If you would like to place an order, please pick up an order form in the Narthex or go to the church website and click on the appropriated link to print a form. The logo and available styles/colors are shown on the order form. Make checks payable to St. Paul, and turn in your order form and payment to Tracy in the church office (there is an envelope marked "apparel orders" in the secretary's office). ORDERS ARE DUE DECEMBER 31, 2011. Proceeds from the apparel orders will go towards the Sunday School program's "Helping Hands Helping Others" goal of $150 for their chosen missions.

ORGAN PROGRAM A few more volunteers (9th grade through adult) are needed to help run the virtual organ program on Sunday mornings and at special services. The more people that are in the rotation, the less times each person would have to commit. The program is simple to run, and training will be provided. If you would like to help our congregation in this way, or if you would like to learn more about the program, please contact Sue Lacy.

DIRECTORY UPDATE I am planning to update the church directory in January, and I would like to include email addresses and cell phone numbers as well as home mailing addresses and home phone numbers. During the month of December there is a current directory on the table in the Narthex, so please take a look and make any corrections or additions needed to your listing. Tracy

PRAYER CHAIN SIGN -UP I am planning to update the church prayer chain in January. Our church has an email chain and a call chain. During the month of December there is a sign-up sheet in the Narthex if you would like to be added or removed from the list. Thank you. Tracy

TERRI LYNN nuts and candy are for sale again this year. Prices range from $6 to $10 per bag. All proceeds go toward Priscilla Guild mission projects.

OPEN HOUSE Members of St. Paul are invited to an open house to celebrate the marriage of Mark and Tonya (Shaw) Joly on Saturday, December 31, 2011 from 1-4pm at the Sleep Inn and Suites in Mt. Vernon. Tonya is the daughter of Jane Shaw.

SPECIAL PRAYERS THIS WEEK Matt Wieben, Marjorie Legband, Deloris Petersen, Jay McCarty, Bonnie Moore, Carla Wieben

NEWS FROM DIRECTOR OF FAMILY LIFE MINISTRY

You know that the Christmas season isn't over until Epiphany, January 6. That means there's still time to send out Christmas cards! There are Christmas cards for sale by the youth in the church entryway. The bottom half of the Dayspring display on the right is filled with lovely holiday greetings. Merry Christmas!

There will be a Higher Things meeting for all youth attending next summer's conference and their parents on Sunday, January 8 at 5pm. We'll discuss the rest of the year's fundraisers, plan transportation and take care of some other final details. Plan on attending! Sr. High youth night will take place immediately following at 6pm.

There is a Jr. High retreat at Camp Io-Dis-E-Ca on Friday-Saturday, January 27-28. Forms have been handed out to the Jr. High students, and I need them returned to me Sunday, January 15. Be watching Noteworthy News and the newsletter for more information.

Crysten

Last week: 12/18/11
Worship: 105 Sunday School: Adult-10 Children-na 10:15 Bible Study: 6 Wed. Evening Service: 54 Children's Christmas Program: 104

Contributions:
Last Week: $ 4,591 Goal $ 2,819
This Year: $163,029 Goal $143,750

***In case of inclement weather during this winter season, please refer to KCRG, KWWL or KGAN for church closing information. In the event that time precludes closing, use safety and godly common sense as a guide!***

Noteworthy News 12/18/11

2011-12-16T08:55:00.005-06:00

NEWSLETTER articles for the January newsletter will be due to Tracy next Sunday, Dec. 25. Thank you!

SPECIAL OFFERING A special offering for Stephanie and Andy Jones will be taken this Sunday. Please see the sign and basket in the Narthex. Stephanie and Andy are friends of Crysten who are missionaries centered in Frankfurt, Germany.

CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM Our Christmas program this year is "Here He Comes!" and will be held on Sunday, Dec. 18 at 4pm. A soup supper will follow the service. Contact Sonya for more information. Rehearsal for the program will be Saturday, Dec. 17 at 8:30am.

MIDWEEK ADVENT SERVICES continue on Wednesday evenings through December 21. A meal is served at 5:15pm by our church youth (freewill donation), and the service begins at 6:30pm. The midweek program meets at 7:15pm.

FOREVER YOUNG will meet for a potluck on Wednesday, Dec. 21 at 12 noon. Quilters will meet at 1pm.

HOLIDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE:
Sat., Dec. 24, 6:30pm Christmas Eve Service
Sun., Dec. 25, 9am Christmas Day Worship
Sat., Dec. 31, 6:30pm New Year's Eve Worship
Please note that the church office will be closed on Monday, Dec. 26.

ST. PAUL APPAREL including long-sleeve t-shirts, short-sleeve t-shirts, crew neck sweatshirts and hooded sweatshirts are available for members to purchase in both youth and adult sizes. If you would like to place an order, please pick up an order form in the Narthex or go to the church website and click on the appropriated link to print a form. The logo and available styles/colors are shown on the order form. Make checks payable to St. Paul, and turn in your order form and payment to Tracy in the church office (there is an envelope marked "apparel orders" in the secretary's office). ORDERS ARE DUE DECEMBER 31, 2011. Proceeds from the apparel orders will go towards the Sunday School program's "Helping Hands Helping Others" goal of $150 for their chosen missions.

ORGAN PROGRAM A few more volunteers (9th grade through adult) are needed to help run the virtual organ program on Sunday mornings and at special services. The more people that are in the rotation, the less times each person would have to commit. The program is simple to run, and training will be provided. If you would like to help our congregation in this way, or if you would like to learn more about the program, please contact Sue Lacy.

DIRECTORY UPDATE I am planning to update the church directory in January, and I would like to include email addresses and cell phone numbers as well as home mailing addresses and home phone numbers. During the month of December there is a current directory on the table in the Narthex, so please take a look and make any corrections or additions needed to your listing. Tracy

PRAYER CHAIN SIGN -UP I am planning to update the church prayer chain in January. Our church has an email chain and a call chain. During the month of December there is a sign-up sheet in the Narthex if you would like to be added or removed from the list. Thank you. Tracy

ADVENT DEVOTIONS for Lutheran Hour Ministries are available in the Narthex. Take as many as you would like, more copies can be made.

TERRI LYNN nuts and candy are for sale again this year. Prices range from $6 to $10 per bag. All proceeds go toward Priscilla Guild mission projects.

OPEN HOUSE Members of St. Paul are invited to an open house to celebrate the marriage of Mark and Tonya (Shaw) Joly on Saturday, December 31, 2011 from 1-4pm at the Sleep Inn and Suites in Mt. Vernon. Tonya is the daughter of Jane Shaw.

SPECIAL PRAYERS THIS WEEK Matt Wieben, Marjorie Legband, Family Irene Slach, Jay McCarty, Bonnie Moore, Carla Wieben

NEWS FROM DIRECTOR OF FAMILY LIFE MINISTRY

The Advent midweek schedule continues one more week. All youth who are signed up to help with the Advent meal will need to be at the church by 4:30 or 4:45. We will serve the meal at 5:15pm. Worship begins at 6:30pm (all youth are expected to attend) and class will follow. This will take place on Wednesdays, December 21. The 28th we will not have midweek due to the Christmas break.

There will be a Higher Things meeting for all youth attending next summer's conference and their parents on Sunday, January 8 at 5pm. We'll discuss the rest of the year's fundraisers, plan transportation and take care of some other final details. Plan on attending! Sr. High youth night will take place immediately following at 6pm.

There is a Jr. High retreat at Camp Io-Dis-E-Ca on Friday-Saturday, January 27-28. Forms have been handed out to the Jr. High students, and I need them returned to me Sunday, January 15. Be watching Noteworthy News and the newsletter for more information.

There are Christmas cards for sale. The bottom half of the Dayspring display on the right is filled with lovely holiday greetings. Merry Christmas!

Crysten

Last week: 12/11/11
Worship: 97 Sunday School: Adult-8 Children-34 10:15 Bible Study: 6 Wed. Evening Service: 52

Contributions:
Last Week: $ 4,543 Goal $ 2,819
This Year: $158,438 Goal $140,932

***In case of inclement weather during this winter season, please refer to KCRG, KWWL or KGAN for church closing information. In the event that time precludes closing, use safety and godly common sense as a guide!***

Noteworthy News 12/11/11

2011-12-09T09:03:00.006-06:00

MUFFINS FOR MITES Please join us in fellowship this Sunday as the Priscilla Guild sponsors "Muffins for Mites". Your fellowship donations will go to support the continued mission work of the LWML.

SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS Sunday's lesson is the story "An Angel Visits Mary". In the womb of Mary, Jesus, the Son of God, became a man so that we sinful people might become adopted children of God and share in the inheritance of heaven. Parents might ask, "How does God make us His children? What do we inherit as God's children?"

CAROLING AND SOUP SUPPER Bring the whole family for a night of caroling, fellowship and a soup supper (soup will be provided). We will be spreading the joy of Christmas on Saturday, Dec. 17 to our congregation members who are unable to make it to our services. Meet at the church at 4pm. Contact Willis Wulf for more information. A sign-up sheet is in the Narthex.

CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM Our Christmas program this year is "Here He Comes!" and will be held on Sunday, Dec. 18 at 4pm. A soup supper will follow the service. Contact Sonya for more information. A sign-up sheet is in the Narthex if you would like to provide cookies for after the children's program. Rehearsal for the program will be Saturday, Dec. 17 at 8:30am.

ORGAN PROGRAM A few more volunteers (9th grade through adult) are needed to help run the virtual organ program on Sunday mornings and at special services. The more people that are in the rotation, the less times each person would have to commit. The program is simple to run, and training will be provided. If you would like to help our congregation in this way, or if you would like to learn more about the program, please contact Sue Lacy.

POINSETTIAS Once again we will be accepting monetary donations to purchase poinsettias for the church for Christmas. You may place donations in the collection plate (noted for poinsettias). Please make checks payable to St. Paul with "flowers" in the memo line. Donations need to be turned in by Sunday, Dec. 11. Your donation amount will be included in your yearly church contribution amount. Thank you.

MIDWEEK ADVENT SERVICES continue on Wednesday evenings through December 21. A meal is served at 5:15pm by our church youth (freewill donation), and the service begins at 6:30pm. The midweek program meets at 7:15pm.

DIRECTORY UPDATE I am planning to update the church directory in January, and I would like to include email addresses and cell phone numbers as well as home mailing addresses and home phone numbers. During the month of December there is a current directory on the table in the Narthex, so please take a look and make any corrections or additions needed to your listing. Tracy

PRAYER CHAIN SIGN -UP I am planning to update the church prayer chain in January. Our church has an email chain and a call chain. During the month of December there is a sign-up sheet in the Narthex if you would like to be added or removed from the list. Thank you. Tracy

ADVENT DEVOTIONS for Lutheran Hour Ministries are available in the Narthex. Take as many as you would like, more copies can be made.

TERRI LYNN nuts and candy are for sale again this year. Prices range from $6 to $10 per bag. All proceeds go toward Priscilla Guild mission projects.

THANK YOU to everyone who helped decorate the church last Sunday. It looks beautiful! Special thanks to Mike and Sue Lacy for donating the beautiful outdoor wreaths hung at the church entrance. Also, thank you to Lea Snedden for making the Advent banners. They are a great visual as we prepare for Christmas and the youth Christmas program.

IOWA LUTHERAN SCHOOL TUITION ORGANIZATION Students in our Lutheran schools need your help! As God the Father sent His son Jesus as the most awesome gift to us, what will you give? The Iowa Lutheran School Tuition Organization continues to need funds to meet its goal of $483,700. You have only a few weeks left to give. Iowa Lutheran schools are able to bring more students into their schools because of this financial aid. Remember the financial benefit to a contributor is a 65% tax credit on Iowa income taxes which can be carried over for five years. For more information about donating to the ILSTO, go to www.iowalutheransto.org or contact Lois Warnsholz at 563-391-1304 or lois.warnholz@lsportal.net. Donation forms are available on the table in the Narthex.

SPECIAL PRAYERS THIS WEEK Matt Wieben, Marjorie Legband, Family of Heinz Blankenhagen, Family Irene Slach, Jay McCarty, Bonnie Moore

NEWS FROM DIRECTOR OF FAMILY LIFE MINISTRY

The Advent midweek schedule continues through the month of December. All youth who are signed up to help with Advent meals will need to be at the church by 4:30 or 4:45. We will serve the meal at 5:15pm. Worship begins at 6:30pm (all youth are expected to attend) and class will follow. This will take place on Wednesdays, December 14, and 21. The 28th we will not have midweek due to the Christmas break.

SR. HIGH YOUTH are invited to a Christmas party on Sunday, December 11 from 5-8pm at Banwarts. We'll eat pizza, decorate cookies, watch a move and have a white elephant gift exchange($5 limit). Bring any Christmas movie you have, and we'll vote to decide what to watch. See you then!

There are Christmas cards for sale. The bottom half of the Dayspring display on the right is filled with lovely holiday greetings. Merry Christmas!

Last week: 12/4/11
Worship: 103 Sunday School: Adult-12 Children-24 10:15 Bible Study: na Wed. Evening Prayer Service: 55

Contributions:
Last Week: $ 4,719 Goal $ 2,819
This Year: $153,895 Goal $138,113

***In case of inclement weather during this winter season, please refer to KCRG, KWWL or KGAN for church closing information. In the event that time precludes closing, use safety and godly common sense as a guide!***

Noteworthy News 12/4/11

2011-11-23T10:31:00.014-06:00

FOOD PANTRY The first Sunday of every month is Food Pantry Sunday. Donations received go to benefit the Southeast Linn Comm. Center food pantry. Be sure to pick up an envelope in the Narthex and place your donation in the offering plate during worship.

DECORATE CHURCH We will be decorating the church for Christmas on Sunday, Dec. 4 following the worship service. All are invited to help. There will be no 10:15 Bible study that morning.

SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS Sunday's lesson is the foretelling of the birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1:5-25). The children learn that God in His mercy promised to send John to prepare sinful people for the coming of the Lord. In His Word, God calls us (sinful people) to repentance, declaring us righteous because of His Son, Jesus. In your family discussions, ask the children to retell the story they learned. Talk about times when you have doubted God's Word and how because of Jesus, God forgives our doubts, granting us faith to believe through the power of the Holy Spirit.

PRISCILLA GUILD CHRISTMAS PARTY will be Thursday, December 8 at 6pm. The meal will be catered by Gwen's, and the cost is $12 for adults, $6.95 for ages 4-12, free for ages 3 and under. There will be a gift exchange ($5 limit). There will be an ingathering for Bingo gifts for the Lutheran Home in Vinton. Items needed include: playing cards, small packs of Kleenex, stationery, stamps, small hand lotions, etc. Reservations for the dinner are needed by December 4. There is a sign-up sheet in the Narthex. All women are invited!

CAROLING AND SOUP SUPPER Bring the whole family for a night of caroling, fellowship and a soup supper (soup will be provided). We will be spreading the joy of Christmas on Saturday, Dec. 17 to our congregation members who are unable to make it to our services. Meet at the church at 4pm. Contact Willis Wulf for more information.

CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM Our Christmas program this year is "Here He Comes!" and will be held on Sunday, Dec. 18 at 4pm. A soup supper will follow the service. Contact Sonya for more information. A sign-up sheet is in the Narthex if you would like to provide cookies for after the children's program.

ORGAN PROGRAM A few more volunteers (9th grade through adult) are needed to help run the virtual organ program on Sunday mornings and at special services. The more people that are in the rotation, the less times each person would have to commit. The program is simple to run, and training will be provided. If you would like to help our congregation in this way, or if you would like to learn more about the program, please contact Sue Lacy.

POINSETTIAS Once again we will be accepting monetary donations to purchase poinsettias for the church for Christmas. You may place donations in the collection plate (noted for poinsettias). Please make checks payable to St. Paul with "flowers" in the memo line. Donations need to be turned in by Sunday, Dec. 11. Your donation amount will be included in your yearly church contribution amount. Thank you.

MIDWEEK ADVENT SERVICES continue on Wednesday evenings through December 21. A meal is served at 5:15pm by our church youth (freewill donation), and the service begins at 6:30pm. The midweek program meets at 7:15pm.

DIRECTORY UPDATE I am planning to update the church directory in January, and I would like to include email addresses and cell phone numbers as well as home mailing addresses and home phone numbers. During the month of December there is a current directory on the table in the Narthex, so please take a look and make any corrections or additions needed to your listing. Tracy

PRAYER CHAIN SIGN -UP I am planning to update the church prayer chain in January. Our church has an email chain and a call chain. During the month of December there is a sign-up sheet in the Narthex if you would like to be added or removed from the list. Thank you. Tracy

ADVENT DEVOTIONS for Lutheran Hour Ministries are available in the Narthex. Take as many as you would like, more copies can be made.

TERRI LYNN nuts and candy are for sale again this year. Prices range from $6 to $10 per bag. All proceeds go toward Priscilla Guild mission projects.

IOWA LUTHERAN SCHOOL TUITION ORGANIZATION Students in our Lutheran schools need your help! As God the Father sent His son Jesus as the most awesome gift to us, what will you give? The Iowa Lutheran School Tuition Organization continues to need funds to meet its goal of $483,700. You have only a few weeks left to give. Iowa Lutheran schools are able to bring more students into their schools because of this financial aid. Remember the financial benefit to a contributor is a 65% tax credit on Iowa income taxes which can be carried over for five years. For more information about donating to the ILSTO, go to www.iowalutheransto.org or contact Lois Warnsholz at 563-391-1304 or lois.warnholz@lsportal.net. Donation forms are available on the table in the Narthex.

SPECIAL PRAYERS THIS WEEK Matt Wieben, Marjorie Legband, Family of Heinz Blankenhagen, Family of Dorothy Cords

NEWS FROM DIRECTOR OF FAMILY LIFE MINISTRY

The Advent midweek schedule continues through the month of December. All youth who are signed up to help with Advent meals will need to be at the church by 4:30 or 4:45. We will serve the meal at 5:15pm. Worship begins at 6:30pm (all youth are expected to attend) and class will follow. This will take place on Wednesdays, November 30, December 7, 14, and 21. The 28th we will not have midweek due to the Christmas break.

SR. HIGH YOUTH are invited to a Christmas party on Sunday, December 11 from 5-8pm at Banwarts. We'll eat pizza, decorate cookies, watch a move and have a white elephant gift exchange($5 limit). See you then!

Last week: 11/27/11
Worship: 95 Sunday School: Adult-9 Children-19 10:15 Bible Study: na Wed. Evening Prayer Service: na

Contributions:
Last Week: $ 3,785 Goal $ 2,819
This Year: $146,295 Goal $132,476

Noteworthy News 11/20/11

2011-11-18T08:33:00.005-06:00

NEWSLETTER articles for the December newsletter are due to Tracy Sunday, Nov. 20.

SUNDAY SCHOOL In Sunday school the children learned about manna, water and quail (Exodus 16-17). Just as God provided manna, water and quail for the hungry and complaining Israelites to preserve them, in Christ, God feeds us with the manna of His Word and the water of forgiveness, satisfying our eternal hunger and quenching our eternal thirst. Talk to your children about how sin causes us to be lost and hungry and thirsty for what we cannot have. Speak of Jesus, the bread of life and the living water, and how He satisfies our spiritual hunger and thirst. Review the Fourth Petition of the Lord's Prayer. REMEMBER THERE IS NO SUNDAY SCHOOL SUNDAY, NOV. 27.

SUNDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY Come and join us at 10:15 for a five-session study exploring the biblical basis of WITNESS, MERCY, LIFE TOGETHER, the threefold emphasis of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod. (The study begins November 13). Helpful explanations of Greek terms and references to Bible passages addressing witness, mercy, and life together are included.

THANKSGIVING There will be a Thanksgiving Eve service on Wednesday, November 23 at 6:30pm. Communion will be celebrated. There will be NO midweek program or choir practice that evening. The church office will be closed Nov. 24 and 25.

SPECIAL VOTERS' MEETING a brief special voters' meeting will be held on Sunday, Nov. 27 immediately following the 9am worship service. The purpose of the meeting is to vote to update our Articles of Incorporation status.

ADVENT SERVICES will begin on Wednesday, Nov. 30. A meal will be served at 5:15pm by our church youth (freewill donation), and the service will begin at 6:30pm. The midweek program and vocal choir will meet at 7:15pm.

LIVING NATIVITY Mt. Vernon's Magical Night will be Thursday, Dec. 1, and St. Paul will again be having the living nativity at the gazebo in the park. Performances will be at 6:15 and 7pm. Volunteers are needed to help take roles or sing with the choir. You don't have to be in the choir to participate--children through adult, all are welcome! Volunteers are also needed to provide cookies and help serve refreshments at the Visitors' Center. Sign-up sheets are in the Narthex. Contact Beth Banwart for more information. Rehearsal for the Living Nativity will be Sunday, Nov. 27 at the church at 6:30pm.

PRISCILLA GUILD CHRISTMAS PARTY will be Thursday, December 8 at 6pm. The meal will be catered by Gwen's, and the cost is $12 for adults, $6.95 for ages 4-12, free for ages 3 and under. There will be a gift exchange ($5 limit). There will be an ingathering for Bingo gifts for the Lutheran Home in Vinton. Items needed include: playing cards, small packs of Kleenex, stationery, stamps, small hand lotions, etc. Reservations for the dinner are needed by December 4. There will be a sign-up sheet in the Narthex.

PHOTO ALBUM A photo album with pictures of the church building project completed in 2000 was sent to us this week from Bernie and Shirley Gueldner. (Bernie was the project manager for the Laborers for Christ crew.) It is on the main table in the Narthex.

FALL FESTIVAL UPDATE Thank you to everyone who helped make Fall Festival a success. This year volunteer number numbers were great, and we had great help. Hats off to the volunteers who stepped up and made sure the event was a success and to those who donated food items. Supports included: Pastor Hansen, Susan Schmidt, Tim and Carol Moore, Arthur and Lillian John Shultz, Wilma Williams, Carla Wieben, Elva Wolrab, Kay Heck, Curt Taylor, Megan Pape, Kim S[iess, Julie Golberg, Lea Snedden, Sue Lacy, Jennifer Keaton, Jill Clark, Marge Kurth, Carol Wulf, Judy McCarty, Kim Raim, Marilyn Mortensen, Lorena Freiburger, and Susan Adrian. Thank you to all for your continued support of our fundraiser for mission work. Vickie Ozburn, Priscilla Guild President

TERRI LYNN nuts and candy are for sale again this year. Prices range from $6 to $10 per bag. All proceeds go toward Priscilla Guild mission projects.

WANTED: Best Choice and Campbell's UPC labels. Also Box Tops for Education. Please place in respective receptacles in church kitchen.

DAYSPRING CARDS There are now Thanksgiving cards available for $1 in the card display in the entryway. Thank you for your support!

PROJECT 60 is a holiday dinner put on by the Lisbon High School student council for senior citizens in the Lisbon and Mt. Vernon communities. This year's event will be held on Thursday, December 8 at 11am at the Lisbon School (new gym). The entertainment will include Poinsettia Bingo and musical performances by the Elementary students and High School students. Cost is FREE, but donations will be gratefully accepted. Please RSVP by December 1 to the high school at 455-2106 or email Terese Jurgensen at tjurgensen@lisbon.k12.ia.us.

MEALS ON WHEELS: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Volunteers are needed to help deliver meals for the Meals on Wheels program. St. Paul is one of five churches in town that helps deliver meals from Southeast Linn Community Center to shut-ins in the Mt. Vernon area. Meals are delivered Monday through Friday (no holidays), and it takes about 1 1/2 hours to make the deliveries. Volunteers are asked to commit one day a week. Training is available. Please contact Lorena Freiburger at 455-2304 for more information or to sign on as a volunteer for this valuable service.

SPECIAL PRAYERS THIS WEEK Jayson McCarty, Matt Wieben, Marjorie Legband, Heinz Blankenhagen, family of Steve Horton

NEWS FROM DIRECTOR OF FAMILY LIFE MINISTRY

The next Sr. High youth group will be Sunday, Nov. 20. It will follow the Marketplace Fundraiser, so it will be from 2-3:30pm. We'll be discussing the Baptist denomination and playing live action Angry Birds, so you won't want to miss it! Come and check us out if you are Freshman and up!

MARKETPLACE FUNDRAISER The Sr. High youth attending the Higher Things conference next summer will once again be hosting a Marketplace Fundraiser. This time we'll be doing it in time to meet all your Christmas shopping needs. Come out to the fellowship hall after church on Sunday, Nov. 20. We'll be there with vendors from home selling companies such as Tastefully Simple, Shaklee, Pampered Chef, Thirty-One, Tupperware and more. We'll also be selling meals of maid perfects or hotdogs, along with a bag of chips, a cookie and a drink for $5. A freewill donation will be taken at the door. See you then!

Last week: 11/13/11
Worship: 98 Sunday School: Adult-9 Children-19 10:15 Bible Study: 8 Wed. Evening Prayer Service: 28

Contributions:
Last Week: $ 4,146 Goal $ 2,819
This Year: $142,510 Goal $129,657

Noteworthy News 11/13/11

2011-11-10T09:58:00.009-06:00

NEWSLETTER articles for the December newsletter are due to Tracy next Sunday, Nov. 20.

SUNDAY SCHOOL In Sunday school the children learned about how God saved the Hebrews by parting the waters of the Red Sea and how God saves us through the washing of water in Holy Baptism. Exodus 13:17-15:21. Ask your children to tell you what they know about this story. Talk about Baptism and how water combined with God's Word washes you clean from sin and gives you eternal life.

SUNDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY Come and join us at 10:15 for a five-session study exploring the biblical basis of WITNESS, MERCY, LIFE TOGETHER, the threefold emphasis of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod. (The study begins November 13). Helpful explanations of Greek terms and references to Bible passages addressing witness, mercy, and life together are included. "Where the Holy Trinity is present and received in faith, there cannot but be witness, mercy and life together. These three reflect God's very being a Creator, Redeemer and Sanctifier, and encompass His holy and gracious will for all in Christ Jesus, namely that all come to believe in and bear witness to Christ, reflect divine compassion, and live together in forgiveness, love and joy in the Church." - LCMS President Matthew C. Harrison

THANKSGIVING There will be a Thanksgiving Eve service on Wednesday, November 23 at 6:30pm. Communion will be celebrated. There will be NO midweek program or choir practice that evening. The church office will be closed Nov. 24 and 25.

ADVENT SERVICES will begin on Wednesday, Nov. 30. A meal will be served at 5:15pm by our church youth (freewill donation), and the service will begin at 6:30pm. The midweek program and vocal choir will meet at 7:15pm.

LIVING NATIVITY Mt. Vernon's Magical Night will be Thursday, Dec. 1, and St. Paul will again be having the living nativity at the gazebo in the park. Performances will be at 6:15 and 7pm. Volunteers are needed to help take roles or sing with the choir. You don't have to be in the choir to participate--children through adult, all are welcome! Volunteers are also needed to provide cookies and help serve refreshments at the Visitors' Center. Sign-up sheets are in the Narthex. Contact Beth Banwart for more information.

USHERS/GREETERS Before the holiday seasons arrive (Advent and Lent) more volunteers are needed to be ushers/greeters on Sunday mornings and for special services. Ushers/greeters are divided into 3 teams, and each team is responsible for one month each quarter (4 months per year). The more people that volunteer, the less times each person is scheduled. Training is provided, and Tracy will work with you to schedule you for Sundays you are able to serve. If you can serve the Lord in this way, please contact Tracy or Pastor Hansen. Thank you!

FALL FESTIVAL UPDATE Thank you to everyone who helped make Fall Festival a success. This year volunteer number numbers were great, and we had great help. Hats off to the volunteers who stepped up and made sure the event was a success and to those who donated food items. Supports included: Pastor Hansen, Susan Schmidt, Tim and Carol Moore, Arthur and Lillian John Shultz, Wilma Williams, Carla Wieben, Elva Wolrab, Kay Heck, Curt Taylor, Megan Pape, Kim S[iess, Julie Golberg, Lea Snedden, Sue Lacy, Jennifer Keaton, Jill Clark, Marge Kurth, Carol Wulf, Judy McCarty, Kim Raim, Marilyn Mortensen, Lorena Freiburger, and Susan Adrian. Thank you to all for your continued support of our fundraiser for mission work. Vickie Ozburn, Priscilla Guild President

TERRI LYNN nuts and candy are for sale again this year. Prices range from $6 to $10 per bag. All proceeds go toward Priscilla Guild mission projects.

WANTED: Best Choice and Campbell's UPC labels. Also Box Tops for Education. Please place in respective receptacles in church kitchen.

DAYSPRING CARDS There are now Thanksgiving cards available for $1 in the card display in the entryway. Thank you for your support!

THANK YOU to all for your gracious cards and gifts of appreciation. I am honored to serve you as pastor and pray that God will bless you through me. Pastor Hansen

MEALS ON WHEELS: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Volunteers are needed to help deliver meals for the Meals on Wheels program. St. Paul is one of five churches in town that helps deliver meals from Southeast Linn Community Center to shut-ins in the Mt. Vernon area. Meals are delivered Monday through Friday (no holidays), and it takes about 1 1/2 hours to make the deliveries. Volunteers are asked to commit one day a week. Training is available. Please contact Lorena Freiburger at 455-2304 for more information or to sign on as a volunteer for this valuable service.

SPECIAL PRAYERS THIS WEEK Jayson McCarty, Matt Wieben, Marjorie Legband, Becky McCarty

NEWS FROM DIRECTOR OF FAMILY LIFE MINISTRY

The next Sr. High youth group will be Sunday, Nov. 20. It will follow the Marketplace Fundraiser, so it will be from 2-3:30pm. We'll be discussing another religion, so you won't want to miss it! Come and check us out if you are Freshman and up!

MARKETPLACE FUNDRAISER The Sr. High youth attending the Higher Things conference next summer will once again be hosting a Marketplace Fundraiser. This time we'll be doing it in time to meet all your Christmas shopping needs. Come out to the fellowship hall after church on Sunday, Nov. 20. We'll be there with vendors from home selling companies such as Tastefully Simple, Shaklee, Pampered Chef, Thirty-One, Tupperware and more. We'll also be selling meals of maid perfects or hotdogs, along with a bag of chips, a cookie and a drink for $5. A freewill donation will be taken at the door. See you then!

Last week: 11/6/11
Worship: 94 Sunday School: Adult-8 Children-13 10:15 Bible Study: 5 Wed. Evening Prayer Service: 22

Contributions:
Last Week: $ 3,970 Goal $ 2,819
This Year: $138,364 Goal $126,839

Noteworthy News 11/6/11

2011-11-04T08:57:00.008-05:00

FOOD PANTRY The first Sunday of every month is Food Pantry Sunday. Donations received on this day go to benefit the Southeast Linn Comm. Center Food Pantry. Be sure to pick up and envelope in the Narthex and place your donation in the offering plate during worship.

SUNDAY SCHOOL In Sunday school the children learned the account of the Passover, Exodus 11-12. This true story, about the night when the angel of death passed over the homes of God's people who had painted their doors with the blood of a lamb, foreshadows Christ, God's Son, who became the Lamb, and thus we will never die--we have the gift of eternal life. Ask your children who gives us the faith to believe that Jesus is our Savior?

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD The Sunday School youth will again be collecting items to fill shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child. Our goal is at least one box per Sunday School family. If you are interested in filling a shoebox or donating items for a shoebox, please bring them to church and place in the box in the fellowship hall. The following items are suggested: school supplies including pens, pencils and sharpeners, crayons, markers, paper or writing pads, solar calculators, or coloring books. Toys: small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, jump rope, yo-yo, small etch-a-sketch, and slinky. Hygiene items: tooth brush, toothpaste, mild bar soap (in a plastic bag), comb, brush or wash clothes. Other items suggested: T-shirts, socks, ball caps, sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry, watches, or flashlights. we are filling boxes for boys and girls ages 2-4, 5-9, and 10-14. If anyone would like to donate money to cover the shipping, the cost is $7 per box. Please have items or box at church no later than Sunday, November 6, 2011. If you have any questions, please contact me. Sonya Sullivan, Christian Education

LIVING NATIVITY Mt. Vernon's Magical Night will be Thursday, Dec. 1, and St. Paul will again be having the living nativity at the gazebo in the park. Mark your calendars, and contact Beth Banwart if you would like to help in any way with the living nativity.

USHERS/GREETERS Before the holiday seasons arrive (Advent and Lent) more volunteers are needed to be ushers/greeters on Sunday mornings and for special services. Ushers/greeters are divided into 3 teams, and each team is responsible for one month each quarter (4 months per year). The more people that volunteer, the less times each person is scheduled. Training is provided, and Tracy will work with you to schedule you for Sundays you are able to serve. If you can serve the Lord in this way, please contact Tracy or Pastor Hansen. Thank you!

TERRI LYNN nuts and candy are for sale again this year. Prices range from $6 to $10 per bag. All proceeds go toward Priscilla Guild mission projects.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED There is a need for a nursery during the 8am adult Bible class on Sunday mornings. If anyone is interested in helping with this, please sign up in the Narthex. We would like to set up a rotation so all can be involved in morning Bible class a majority of the time.

WANTED: Best Choice and Campbell's UPC labels. Also Box Tops for Education. Please place in respective receptacles in church kitchen.

DAYSPRING CARDS There are now Thanksgiving cards available for $1 in the card display in the entryway. Thank you for your support!

LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF KITS Thank you to everyone for your donations to Lutheran World Relief this past year. We were able to donate 49 quilts, 14 personal care kits, 11 school kits, 10 fabric kits and 19 baby care kits. These items will be distributed by LWR to refugees and others in need. We will be collecting items for kits again beginning in January.

THANK YOU to all for your gracious cards and gifts of appreciation. I am honored to serve you as pastor and pray that God will bless you through me. Pastor Hansen

SPECIAL PRAYERS THIS WEEK Jayson McCarty, Matt Wieben, Marjorie Legband, Family of Gary Stamp, Dani Ortmann, Johathan Offt and Trinity Lutheran Church and School, Becky McCarty

NEWS FROM DIRECTOR OF FAMILY LIFE MINISTRY
The next Sr. High youth group will be Sunday, Nov. 20. It will follow the Marketplace Fundraiser, so it will be from 2-3:30pm. We'll be discussing another religion, so you won't want to miss it! Come and check us out if you are Freshman and up!

SR. HIGH RETREATS
The Sr. High youth group will be attending a retreat in McHenry, IL on Friday-Saturday, November 11-12. It's called "Something about Baptism," and we'll be discussing, you guessed it...baptism! Cost is $20, and that will cover the travel there and back as well as all food and lodging at the conference. You'll need to bring money for supper when traveling to and from the retreat. I have registration and health forms, so come find me! If you haven't told me that you're coming, you need to let me know ASAP.

On November 18-19 the Sr. High will head down to Camp Io-Dis-E-Ca for the IDE Sr. High retreat. Cost is $20, and that will cover everything for the weekend. We'll leave on Friday the 18th at 7pm and be back by Saturday the 19th at 3:30pm. Again, registration and health forms can be found with me, so come and get them! Let me know by Wednesday, Nov. 9 if you'll be attending.

MARKETPLACE FUNDRAISER The Sr. High youth attending the Higher Things conference next summer will once again be hosting a Marketplace Fundraiser. This time we'll be doing it in time to meet all your Christmas shopping needs. Come out to the fellowship hall after church on Sunday, Nov. 20. We'll be there with vendors from home selling companies such as Tastefully Simple, Shaklee, Pampered Chef, Thirty-One, Tupperware and more. We'll also be selling meals of maid perfects or hotdogs, along with a bag of chips, a cookie and a drink for $5. A freewill donation will be taken at the door. See you then!

Last week: 10/30/11
Worship: 94 Sunday School: Adult-8 Children-16 10:15 Bible Study: 10 Wed. Evening Prayer Service: 33

Contributions:
Last Week: $ 1,417 Goal $ 2,819
This Year: $134,394 Goal $124,020