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St. Paul Lutheran Church

“Leading People into a Personal Relationship with Jesus Christ”

May 2008

In our Today’s Light Discussion one Tuesday, I compared reading through the Bible to training for a marathon.  Anyone who has set that goal for themselves knows that it is not wise to begin with all 26.2 miles on your very first run. If you do, chances are your knees, hips, and back will let you know about it the very next day.  Rather, a training program is necessary for building up strength, endurance, and confidence, so that you reach your target.  But without proper discipline, it can be tough to continue.

 It seems to be the same way when reading the Bible.  Many have set out to read the Bible from cover to cover.  Genesis and Exodus seem like a sprint.  In them we have the stories of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and Moses.  But Leviticus and Numbers seem to drag on.  It can be tempting to skip over all of the laws and details, or simply give up completely.  In an effort to encourage you to stay motivated, here are some things to look for as you read this third book of the Bible.

 In Leviticus we receive a better sense of sin.  Through its pages we realize just how serious sin is, what its consequences are, how God feels about it, and what punishment we deserve.  We also learn that God never changes.  He feels the same about sin today as He did in Moses’ day.  God’s plan of salvation also remains the same.  In fact, the freedom we enjoy in the gospel is rooted in the blood sacrifices of the Old Testament.  Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness.  “The blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7).

 Second, in the events of Leviticus, we see many shadows of Christ and His work of redemption.  For example, the Passover typifies the crucifixion of Christ.  The Feast of Unleavened Bread foreshadows His resurrection and its meaning for our lives.  The Sabbath Day, the Sabbath year, and the Year of Jubilee all teach about the rest, peace, and freedom we have now in Christ and will enjoy forever in Heaven.

 Finally, Leviticus is valuable because it stresses to us the life of holiness to which God has called us and which should be our response to salvation.  The rituals, rules, and regulations were God’s way of teaching this to His people.  He expects the same from us today.  In response to Jesus redeeming us, we surrender all that we are and have- all of life- to Him.  We are His, not our own.

 It is hard to believe, but as we begin the month of May, we have already invested ten weeks in reading through the Bible.  Don’t give up now.  Keep going.  I pray that as you and I continue toward our goal, our hearts will be strengthened as we learn more about God and His love for sinners.

Pastor

Our Church Family

Baptism

     Macy Leigh Gochanour was baptized at St. Paul on April 20, 2008.  Her parents are Jeff and Jodi.  Macy’s brothers are Andrew, Connor and Ryan.  Her sponsors were Amelia and Jacobs Naas.

     Bridgette Sims was baptized at St. Paul on Sunday, April 27, 2008.

Confirmation Sunday

     On Sunday, April 27th, the following 8th graders were confirmed at St. Paul.

Annessa Anderson, Sydney Freed, Ashley Grass, Calvin Gresham, Sarah Sadler and Bridgette Sims.

Members who are in care facilities or who are homebound

Pauline Ashley

Meadows Mennonite Home

24588 Church Street

Chenoa, IL  61726

Jane Brown

207 W. Walnut

Lexington, IL  61753

365-8287

Ray Brown

Heritage Manor

509 N. Adelaide

Normal, IL  61761

Cordelia Cochennour

Heritage Manor

402 S. Harrison Street

Colfax, IL  61728

Jan Evans

21740 Clarksville Road

Lexington, IL  61753

Christina Frerichs

Meadows Mennonite Home

24588 Church Street

Chenoa, IL  61726

Edith Kelley

111 N. Cedar St. 2B

Lexington, IL  61753

309-365-8229

Helen Lanzer

Meadows Mennonite Home

24588 Church Street

Chenoa, IL  61726

Harold Martins

109 N. Towanda Ave.

Normal, IL  61761

309-451-1504

Melissa Neumann’s Care Page

    Please see the bulletin board for current information about Melissa Neumann.  The Care Page articles are posted on the bulletin board or you may visit Melissa’s care page at

www.carepages.com

Ascension Worship

     Please join us as we celebrate the Ascension of our Lord with a worship service and Holy Communion on Thursday, May 1st at 6:00 p.m.

Lunch With Pastor

     High School lunch with Pastor will be on Monday, May 12th at 12:15 p.m.

New First Aid Center

     There is a new first aid center mounted on the wall in the kitchen.  It was donated by the CID Church Extension Fund.

Altar Guild

     During June, Linda Lanzer and Andrea Neumann will be responsible for the altar guild duties. Thank you to Rose Mary Freed and Diana Frerichs for serving last month.

Altar Guild Flowers

     Since we have new Altar Flower Vases, flowers placed on the Altar should be fresh rather than artificial. A Flower Chart is located on the Bulletin Board by the kitchen & nursery.  If you would like to purchase flowers for a particular occasion (i.e. birthday, anniversary or in honor of a special someone), please sign up at least a week ahead of time.  If you have any questions or would like to help with the Altar Guild, please see Linda Lanzer.

Jesus Time

      Everyone is invited to join us for Jesus Time on Wednesdays May 7 and May 21 from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.  We will be having a potluck meal so bring your favorite dish, followed by music and a devotion and small groups for the adults and Scribble, Dribble and Glue for the High School and under.  Hope to see you then.  Contact Pastor or Shannon Laesch for questions.

Work on the Plan Continues..

     Thanks again to everyone who attended the Saturday planning session in February.  All the great ideas have been organized and grouped into several categories that are forming the beginning basis for our Church vision, action statements and plan.  These categories include items such as building, financial, groups, members, missions, music, outreach, property, publicity, school, services, staff, visitors, youth, and the “misc” catch all.  The Elders are now beginning to put together a draft of the plan but would appreciate additional assistance to review and react to the draft language and document.  If you are willing to assist, please contact Scott Kaiser at church or by calling 830-1371 or email at sak6386@gmail.com.  Thanks in advance.    

“Our Refuge and Our Strength”

     The Painting “Our Refuge and Our Strength” located in the back of the sanctuary is by artist Morgan Weistling.  The painting depicts one of Weistling’s favorite passages from the life of Christ, from Peter’s point of view struggling in the water.  Like Peter, we come to the realization that Christ is there to save us, as He always is, suggested by the light breaking through the turbulent clouds above the rest of the disciples.  Weistling’s hope is that people will enjoy viewing his artwork as much as he enjoyed painting it, as it is his language used to communicate to others how he sees God’s creation.  The painting has been donated to St. Paul as a memorial from the family of Bob Schaffer.  God’s blessings to all of you, Andy & Wanda Schuler

Today’s Light Discussion

     Join us on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. as we discuss the previous week’s readings.  Bring your Bible and your questions for this interactive discussion.  The readings are listed on the church website (www.stpaul-lex.org), in the weekly church bulletin, monthly newsletter, Today’s Light Bible and in the Lexingtonian.  A sign-up sheet has been placed on the bulletin board next to the drinking fountain to bring treats for the discussion sessions. 

Vacation Bible School

     Lexington Council of  Churches Vacation Bible School is scheduled for June 9th - 13th.  Registration forms are now available, with drop boxes at each church.  Volunteers are needed!  We are in need of teachers, kitchen help, music and craft helpers.  We will once again have the kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd graders at St. Paul.  Sign up sheets are located on the bulletin board next to the kitchen in the fellowship hall.  If you have any questions, please contact Sue or Emily Davis at 365-8121.

St. Paul Lutheran Preschool News

     St. Paul Lutheran Preschool is down to its last 4 weeks of school for this school year.  The children sang during the worship service on Sunday, April 20th.  We recently visited the ISU Farm and had a picnic at Keller Park.  Our end of the year picnic and graduation will be May 21st at Keller Park.  We are so excited about the new room addition.  The Preschool committee and staff would like to thank the congregation for their support in encouraging the room addition and the trustees for the planning and work involved.  The preschool ministry is a beautiful way to share Jesus’ love and God’s word with the children in the community.  Registration is underway.  Eight pre-kindergarten children are now attending 5 days a week with Polly Walcott as their teacher.  There are still a few openings for the 2 and 3 day programs, with an option to choose the 5 day program.

Registration Information

     Enrollment for the Fall 2008-09 school year has begun. If you wish to enroll now, please complete an enrollment form, located outside the Preschool classroom and include the $50.00 registration fee to secure your child’s spot for fall.  Early registrations, prior to May 1st, will receive a discount of $10.00 off September’s tuition. We are licensed by the State of Illinois for 2 classrooms accommodating 24 students, staffed by a full time Teacher/Director, teacher and an aide.  We have several class options available for Fall 2008-09.  A 2 day, Monday and Tuesday session, a 3 day, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday session, and 5 day session (non Pre-Kindergarten) are available.  New to our program is a Pre-K class.  This class is for children entering kindergarten in  Fall 2009.  This is a 5 day class.  All class times run from 8:45-11:00am.  We would certainly encourage you to come and visit our school.  Please call the school office to make an appointment or stop by the school during class hours.

Giving Plus Program

     The Preschool is now approved though Thrivent Financial for their Giving Plus Program.  Giving Plus is a program that will match  $1.00 for every $2.00 donated to St. Paul Lutheran Preschool.  Eligible donations must be made to the Preschool by a Thrivent Member.  Thrivent will match up to a maximum supplement of  $300.00.  Through donations and matching funds we can greatly help our Preschool Ministry grow.  If you would like more information on the Giving Plus Program please contact, Sue Davis.

Email: preschool@stpaul-lex.org.

Our Missionaries

David & Valerie Federwitz

Email: DVFederwitz@LBT.org

Financial Gifts: Lutheran Bible Translators

PO Box 2050, Aurora, IL 60507-2050

LBT Phone:  1-800-53-BIBLE

     A recent letter from David & Valerie is posted on the bulletin board next to the drinking fountain or contact the church office for a copy.

Our Missionaries

Danny & Becca DeLoach

Please see website for family pictures: www.deloach.info

Mobile Phone: 214-668-8423

Email: danny-becca.deloach@sil.org

Personal Correspondence: 7500 W. Camp Wisdom Rd, Dallas, TX  75236

Financial Gifts: Lutheran Bible Translators

PO Box 2050, Aurora, IL 60507-2050

LBT Phone:  1-800-53-BIBLE

     A recent letter from Danny & Becca is posted on the bulletin board next to the drinking fountain or contact the church office for a copy. 

     Danny & Becca and family will be coming to St. Paul on Sunday, June 22 to give a presentation on the missionary work that they do.

Thanks Much! 

     The Ed Ingold family would like to thank everyone for your thoughts and prayers during the difficult time of his illness and at our time of loss.  Your kind expressions of sympathy and thoughtfulness have been deeply appreciated. 

In our loving Savior, Roland & Diana Frerichs and Doug & Shannon Laesch

A Big Thank You!

     Thank you to everyone who donated soup and/or desserts for our soup supper/dessert auction.  We would also like to thank all those people who brought desserts or made a donation to the youth.  We raised over $1,850.00.  The youth appreciate all the support from St. Paul.

Red Carpet Corridor

     Lexington may well be the best kept secret among the 12 communities that make up the Red Carpet Corridor. However, this year, On May 3rd, Lexington extends an open invitation to everyone to experience life in the slow lane with a breakfast of pancakes and sausage at St. Paul Lutheran Church (8-11a.m.); browse city-wide garage sales; and visit our "Shoppes on Main": The Filling Station; Shake Shack; The Wooden Hare; Koch's Depot & the Red Barn; Lexington Finer Foods (where you can pick up the garage sale maps) Today's Pleasure/Tomorrow's Treasure and top off the day at The Fireside Inn. For more information visit the website at www.il66redcarpetcorridor.org.

CID Day at the Ballpark

     Celebrate the 10th Annual CID Day at the Ballpark on Friday, July 4th.  Chicago Cubs vs St. Louis Cardinals, start time at 7:15 p.m.  Watch the fireworks on the St. Louis riverfront following the game.  Tickets are $24 each (an $8 discount).  Orders are first come, first serve basis.  An order form may be downloaded at http://www.grace-strasburg.com/cidday.  Ordering deadline is June 15th. 

Our Seminary Student

B.J., Jessica, Hannah and Nathanael Fouts

10 Founders Way Unit B

St. Louis, MO.  63105

314-505-7710

Email: fouts@csl.edu

     B. J. will graduate from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, in May.  He and his family will be taking a call to Trinity Lutheran Church in Hebron, Nebraska.

     B.J. will lead St. Paul in worship and teach Bible study on Sunday, May 4, while Pastor is out of town.

Christ+Children+Community

LCMS National Children’s Ministry Conference

July 11-13, 2008

St. Peter Lutheran Church, Schaumburg, IL

   Planned to shape, nurture and equip people leading and serving in areas of children’s ministry and family ministry for continuing service in the kingdom of God, the National Children’s Ministry Conference will expand and enhance people’s imagination, thinking, and skills in the area of children’s and family ministries.

   Some of the highlights of the conference - Children, celebration, dynamic worship and Bible study, national prayer ministry, Festival of Music and the Arts, Children’s Art Show, outstanding keynotes and workshops, “Coffee House” visit with the experts, Ministry Market Place and more.

    Who should attend: Professional and Volunteer Teachers, Pastors, Directors’ of Children’s Ministry, Directors of Christian Education, Early Childhood Program Directors, Directors of Family Ministry, Sunday School Superintendents, those serving in Sunday School, VBS and others. 

   To register - go online to www.lcms.org/NCMC or call 1-800-248-1930 ext. 1269 for a registration booklet.

Camp CILCA News

Get Ready for Summer Camp

     Camp CILCA is our Central Illinois District camp located near Springfield. Camp CILCA has Summer programs available for Preschoolers (an over-nighter with a parent) through High School age.  There are also specialty camps available.  Save $10 if you pay in full by April 25th for each camp that costs $100-250.  Check out the information in the fellowship hall for all the specific information about going to camp this summer and to pick up a registration form.  Camp CILCA is a great opportunity for kids to enjoy the outdoors as well as a valuable time to grow in their faith with other Christians their age.  St. Paul was listed as number 3 with 34 children attending Camp CILCA in 2007.  Check your calendars, talk to your friends and pick your week to go to camp this summer! 

CILCA Camper stories from 2007

     During my last 3rd-5th grade week of the summer, I met one of my most challenging campers. This camper was a somewhat melodramatic girl, who needed plenty of attention. Often, I found my patience tried as she quarreled with other girls, complained, or chose to ignore my instructions.

     On one night, however, our cabin devotion went longer than usual, as my third graders got into an unusually deep conversation about salvation. The camper who had been a challenge spoke up and suddenly began to ask the cabin to pray for her dad, who didn’t believe in Jesus. My heart melted as she told me that she is trying hard to tell him about how much Jesus loves him. Then she asked if she could pray. My normally silly cabin folded their hands and listened to her pray sincerely and powerfully that God would help her dad understand Christ’s love. Her beautiful, child-like faith showed forth, reminding me of my purpose this summer; to let    God use me as his tool to nurture that faith.

     Thanks to my camper, God showed me once again how he is always there to help me gain new perspectives and to pull me through the summer’s challenges with His amazing love.

     It was Explorers II week and I had a kid who was in first aid nearly everyday. One night I was in first aid for nearly 3 hours. My camper looked at me and said. “I think I should go home, I really do not want to, but I believe I am not allowing you to interact with the rest of our cabin enough. Here you sit and watch me, but out there you influence people about Jesus which is more important.”

     I was blown away. I told him I really wanted him to stay so he could experience underground church. Underground church is a simulation we do to help kids witness about Jesus. The kids in the cabin who had been at camp before talked about underground church to him and he was getting really excited. One morning while in first aid he asked me to help him understand what witnessing was. I told him that you simply tell the people about John 3:16. I then explained to him how to explain things like grace, and sin to people who may not know.

     That night he was able to go out and experience underground church. The next morning he told me about his experience and how he witnessed. He also told me he was really glad he got to stay.

Wind Ensemble 2008 Spring Tour

     Trinity Lutheran Church in Bloomington welcomes the Concordia University - Ann Arbor Wind Ensemble for a performance of sacred music on Thursday, May 3 at 7:00 p.m.  The concert will feature works by Holst, Ticheli, Arnold, Van der Roost, Copland and others.  Trinity Lutheran Church marks the first stop for the wind ensemble on their spring tour.  The concert series is free and open to the public. 

     The Wind Ensemble is directed by Matthew Wolf, assistant professor of music.  The group is comprised of wind and percussion players, selected by audition.  Its repertoire is chosen from among the finest traditional and contemporary, sacred and secular wind band music.  This variety of music enhances the development of performers, music educators, and church workers as they grow as musicians.  The ensemble performs at churches in Michigan throughout the year and tours the Midwest annually, sharing God’s gift of music with a wide variety of audiences.  For information about the Concordia Wind Ensemble and a complete tour schedule, visit: www.cuaa.edu/windenseble.

     Concordia University - Ann Arbor is a liberal arts institution of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.  With a Christian environment and an academic community dedicated to excellence, CUAA offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs.  CUAA is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA).  CUAA Family Life Program is certified by the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR).  CUAA’s Athletic Program is a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Champions of Character Institution.  CUAA is listed as on of America’s Best Private Colleges.  For more information on CUAA, visit: www.cuaa.edu.

Simply Giving

     What is Simply Giving?  It’s an easier, simpler way to make your regular contributions to our congregation through automated giving.