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February 2010

 Christmas is over. There are a few more weeks to the Epiphany season, then comes Lent.   That is where you and I find ourselves as we begin the month of February.  Ash Wednesday is February 17. On this day we begin a forty day journey to the cross.

Our Lenten theme for this year is “Our Savior’s Wounded Body.”  Each Wednesday you and I will focus on a different wound that Jesus’ body suffered as he endured the pain of the cross for you and me.  “His Humbled Head,” “His Holy Hands,” “His Battered Back,” “His Faithful Feet,” “The Savior’s Side,” “His Unbroken Bones,” those will be the sermon titles for our worship each Wednesday.  As we discuss the wounds that were inflicted on Jesus’ body, we will have opportunity to reflect upon what they accomplished for us.  God’s Son endured it all to pay the price for our sins, to give you and me the free gift of eternal life.  On Easter morning you and I will celebrate Jesus’ victory over His wounds.  On that day we will celebrate as Jesus overcame all His wounds so that He may bring healing to ours. 

Have you ever stopped to think about what life would be like without our Savior’s wounded body?  What if Jesus decided that you and I were not worth the pain?  We would be living without any hope.  There would be nothing to look forward to, nothing to live for.  “But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; and the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5).  By Jesus’ wounds, our sins are forgiven.  By His wounds, our relationship with God is repaired.  You and I have the hope of eternal life waiting for us in heaven.  

 The purpose of Lent is more than spending time together and enjoying some good food.  The goal of this forty day season is to bring about true repentance in our hearts.  This begins when we recognize that we are sinners in dire need of God’s love and forgiveness.  After receiving that, we then promise to live for Him.  This we will do each week through sermons, songs, and prayers.  My prayer is that God would once again bless our preparation. 
    - Pastor
 

 Midweek Lenten Service Dates:
will be 2/17, 2/24, 3/3, 3/10, 3/17, 3/24

Each service will begin at 5:30 p.m. and be followed with a meal and fellowship.

Our Church Family

Please remember our members who are homebound or in care facilities with a visit, card or a call.

Please notify the church office if there are any additions or corrections to this list.

Ray Brown

Heritage Manor

509 N. Adelaide Street

Normal, IL 61761

Birthday: October 8

 

Cordelia Cochennour

Heritage Manor

402 S. Harrison Street

Colfax, IL 61728

Birthday: January 15

 

Gertrude Jacobs

39 Hilltop Trailer Court

Lexington, IL 61753

(309) 365-3081

Birthday: March 21

 

Gladys Jacobs

Meadows Mennonite Home

24588 Church Street

Chenoa, IL 61726

 

Edith Kelley

111 N. Cedar Street 2B

Lexington, IL 61753

(309) 365-8229

Birthday: March 6

 

Harold Martins

109 N Towanda Ave

Normal, IL 61761

(309) 451-1504

Birthday: March 3

 

Louise Patton

303 S. Cherry Street

Lexington, IL 61753

(309) 365-8462

Birthday: April 5

 

 

 

Altar Guild Duties

 During February Rose Mary Freed & Diana Frerichs will be responsible for the altar guild duties.  Thank you to Leila Carlson and  Linda Lanzer  for serving last month.

Today’s Light Discussion

The Today's Light discussion is held on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. Bring your Bible and your questions for an interactive discussion about the previous weeks readings

Today 's Light Readings

Week 103 (Feb 1- Feb 6)

Mon.- Revelation 6:1-8:5
Tue.- Revelation 8:6-9:21
Wed.-Revelation 10:1-11
Thu.-Revelation 11:1-19
Fri.- Revelation 12:1-17
Sat.- Revelation 13:1-18

 

Week 104 (Feb 8-13)

Mon.- Revelation 14:1-20

Tue.- Revelation 15: 1-8

Wed.-Revelation 16: 1-21

Thu.-Revelation 17:1- 18:8

Fri.-Revelation 18:9-24

Sat.-Revelation 19:1-21

Week 105 (Feb 15-17)

Mon.- Revelation 20: 1-15

Tue.-Revelation 21:1-27

Wed.-Revelation 22:1-21

 

   
 
 

Red Cross Blood Drive
St. Paul’s will be hosting an American Red Cross Blood Drive February 13th starting at 10AM in the Fellowship hall.  The drive is scheduled to go until 2PM

 

The Flower Ministry
Spreading the love of Jesus with Flowers . The Altar Guild has been purchasing flowers for the altar and flower stand every Sunday and some special services.
So what happens to the flowers after Sunday or a special service?
Pastor or an Elder takes the flowers to one of our church family members: for a special occasion, who are shut in, or in the hospital.


We would like everyone in our congregation to be acknowledged.  This ministry has had a very positive outcome with our church shut ins and other members.  The cost of purchasing flowers is nothing compared to putting a smile on someone’s face.


You too can help by contributing to this ministry.  You can purchase flowers for a myriad of reasons,  a birthday of a loved one, an anniversary,  graduation, to the Glory of God, or thanksgiving to the Lord for all of His blessings in our lives.
Please consider purchasing flowers for the Flower Ministry.  The two vases are $60 and the potted blooming plant or vase on the stand are $40.


Please prayerfully consider helping spread the love of our Lord with flowers.  Sign up on the flower chart in the fellowship hall or let Valorie Daniels know: 309-728-5556 or
valoriedan@aol.com   Please note  choice of date and where the flowers are going after the service. 
 The Flower Ministry is also in need of flower vases. Please consider donating your empty flower vases to the church and place them on the kitchen counter.

 

Immediate Opening - St. Paul Lutheran Preschool Teacher:

St. Paul Lutheran Church & Preschool is currently accepting applications for a teaching position working with children ages 3, 4, and 5 years of age. This teaching position is Monday-Friday, 8:30am - 11:30am.

Qualified applicant must have completed 60 semester hours of college credit with 6 hours of Early Childhood Education and show a love for children and Jesus Christ. Please submit resume and letter of application to St. Paul Lutheran Church & Preschool, 107 E. Chatham St., Lexington, IL. Taking applications until February 17, 2010. For any further questions, please contact the church office at 309-365-5000.

Preschool Director: Ruth Ann Silver has turned in her resignation as director and teacher of St. Paul Lutheran Preschool with her last day being February 19. Polly Walcott has accepted the position as director of the preschool program. The preschool committee is currently in the process of receiving applications and interviewing for a teacher full-time for the 2 and 3 day class.

 Preschool Registration Begins: Please be sure to let family and friends know that Preschool registration has begun. Enrollment for the Fall 2010- 2011 has begun for members of St. Paul and for those who have previously committed to St. Paul Preschool. Enrollment opens to the general public on February 25th. Families can take advantage of an early registration discount if they get their application in by April 1st. Brochures and registration forms can be found outside the preschool rooms.

Donations Needed : The Preschool is in need of donations for snack time. Some of the items are: apple juice, Ritz crackers, fruit snacks, Rice Krispie Treats, pretzels, string cheese, and chewy granola bars. All items need to be store- bought. This is a great way to help and support the Preschool. There is a box in the fellowship hall for donations. Thanks again to everyone for all of your help.


TODAY’S LIGHT BIBLE GROUP:   “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”  (Rom. 15:4)  In the life-changing wisdom of the Bible, we have a personal message that tells us what God desires for us to be and what He desires to be, for us.  He has given us His written Word so we “might have hope” as we face the issues of life.  Out of gratitude, let’s read God’s written message —and watch it change our lives.” {Bill Crowder –Our Daily Bread 02-01/10)
     On March 1st, 2010 the TLB Group will embark on its second journey through God’s written Word.  Discussions will begin the following week March 9th,on Tuesday evenings @ 7:00pm.  Study material is available and may be ordered through the church office. “God speaks through His Word to those who listen with their heart.”
 

Y & F: Pizza & Bowling Night
 The Board of Youth and Family will be hosting their annual bowling and pizza outing on Feb. 21st. Unlimited bowling will be from 3:00 to 5:00 at the ISU Bowling and Billiards Center at a cost of $5.00 per person, shoes included. After bowling everyone is invited to "roll" on over to Avantis on Rt. 9 to enjoy pizza and fellowship in Avanti's new banquet hall. If you are unable to attend the bowling festivities, but would still like an Italian dinner, please come and join the rest of the group at Avanti's at 5:30. To make the necessary reservations, we would like for everyone to sign-up on the sheets located on the Church Information Center in the church Fellowship Hall on or before  Sunday, February 14th.

 
Interested in Being a Pastor?
 Rev. Tom Zimmerman from Concordia Fort Wayne Seminary will be in the area Monday, February 15th at Wittenberg Lutheran Church in Normal, from 4:00PM-7:00PM.  He would like to visit with men who might be interested in studying for Holy Ministry.  Prospects  for Holy Ministry include conformation class students, high school students, college students, or men who are working in another career already.  For more information you can email Rev. Zimmerman at thomas.zimmerman@ctsfw.edu
 
St. Paul Lutheran Church is located at 107 E Chatham Street in Lexington, IL 61753
Phone: (309) 365-5000 
Fax: (309) 365-5100
Email: stpaul@stpaul-lex.org
Web site: www.stpaul-lex.org