St. Paul's News

Help for OK Here is a way you can respond to help the victims in Oklahoma Dear St. Paul's Congregation, Our hearts are grieved for the victims of Moore OK tornado, and we intercede for  them in our prayers. If you would like to help with a financial gift, the Evangelical Free Church’s “Reach Global Crisis Response” is working closely with the EFCA Texas-Oklahoma District to provide assistance to the tornado devastated areas in both Oklahoma and Texas. If you would like to read more, go to:



Other Christian ministries include The Salvation Army and World Relief of the National Association of Evangelicals.

Pastor Dan  follow on Twitter | like on Facebook | forward to a friend  Copyright © 2013 St. Paul's Evangelical Church, All rights reserved.
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This Sunday, May 19, 2013 Here's what's happening at St. Paul's this Sunday, May 19th Dear St. Paul's Congregation, Greetings. Sunday’s coming!

Pastor Mark is officially on sabbatical, so this Sunday Pastor Bob Yarbrough, our summer supply pastor, will begin his preaching series, God is Building His People. His first sermon is “Lighting the Fuse” for Pentecost Sunday celebrating the work of the Holy Spirit in the Church and our lives. We will also observe communion together.

Pastor Bob will also teach three of our Adult Bible Fellowships in the Auditorium on the Old Testament Book of Jeremiah. He believes that the book of Jeremiah has much to say to our present day in America and in our world. It all begins at 9:45, so grab a cup of coffee and join the discussion.

Praise and Prayer meeting on behalf of David van Dyk. 
On Sunday at 7:00 p.m. in Room 5, a special prayer meeting will be led by Peggy Russell and Dana Button, thanking God for the good reports regarding David’s recovery, and interceding for his continued recovery. God is doing might things in David’s life and the van Dyk family is grateful for all of your prayers. If you are in a small group Sunday evening, please continue to keep David in your prayers.

This Sunday, our Elder Board is announcing a mission statement for our church family. It is based on the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) to make disciples. The phrase is simple and to the point: More Disciples—Better Disciples. Watch for more information on page 1 of In Action.

Please keep Pastor Mark in your prayers while he is on sabbatical.

Joy to you.

Pastor Dan

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Worship on Mother's Day, May 12 Mother's Day at St. Paul's Dear St. Paul's Congregation, Mother's Day is a wonderful opportunity for family worship. This year, we will honor our mothers with a set of mini-carnations for each. Pastor Mark will finish the first part of our series in the book of Daniel, with a sermon called, "Love Never Gives Up." The choir will sing a beautiful anthem called, "An Acclamation of Praise." In the second service, Dustin leads the worship team in singing some favorites, such as "How Great Thou Art" and "Rock of Ages" (You Will Stand).

This week's services each include several commissionings.

• 8:30: Pastor Mark and Gayle will be commissioned for their sabbatical, and Pastor Bob Yarbrough will be commissioned as supply pastor during their absence.
• 11:00: We will commission Pastor Mark and Gayle, Pastor Yarbrough, and also Ally Keaton for her Summer trip to Africa.

The Divine Hours. We still have a few copies of fixed hour prayer books available for this Sunday. Also, you may still sign up to exchange prayers with Pastor Mark for one of the days while he is one the Camino de Santiago. Please pick up your books and sign up for prayers in the Welcome Center.

We had good news on David van Dyk this week. David smiled at his mother, and gave a "thumbs up" to the nurse. Many prayers are still needed, as the road to recovery could be long for David. Please also pray for the other folks listed on our Intercessory Prayer List.

St. Paul's Web Site

1. Do you know someone who would like to receive our weekly emails? If so, have them visit our web site, www.stpaulsefree.org, and enter their first name, last name and email address on any page other than the front page. If you have any troubles, please call Dustin Burggraaf in the church office for help (314-993-0015).
2. Did you know that you can listen to past sermons on our web site? You can also view church newsletters, our weekly "in Action," and find many other resources at www.stpaulsefree.org. 

God is at work in our wonderful congregation, and I know he will bless you with the preaching and leadership of our fine staff and Dr. Bob Yarbrough while Gayle and I are away. We return from our sabbatical on August 26, 2013. Have a wonderful Summer!

Grace, mercy and peace to all!

A. Mark Friz, Senior Pastor  follow on Twitter | like on Facebook | forward to a friend  Copyright © 2013 St. Paul's Evangelical Church, All rights reserved.
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This Sunday, May 5: Prayers for the Summertime Communion this Sunday, May 5 Dear St. Paul's Congregation, Welcome to May! Brrrr! I never thought that I would have to assure you at the beginning of May that we will have some heat in the building this coming Sunday. We did escape the snow my daughter Lydia experienced in Kansas City. Warmer weather is on the way. And this Sunday is an excellent day to come and worship the Lord Jesus Christ!

Communion this Sunday. In the first service, we have the choir and celebration ringers leading us in worship from the balcony, along with communion served in the pews. Pastor Mark will preach the fourth sermon in our series from Daniel, called, Prayers for the Summertime. In the second service, communion will be served at the front of the church. Pastor Bob Yarbrough will share a testimony about fixed hour prayers in both services.

Pick Up Your Book. There will be a prayer chart set up in the welcome center this week. This chart will contain a calendar of the 33 days that Pastor Mark will be walking the Camino de Santiago in Spain. You may sign up to pray the same "Fixed Hour Prayers" that he will be praying on his walk. He will pray specifically for those who sign up, and his request would be that you would pray for him on that day as well. Also, the book containing the prayers, Prayers for the Summertime, will be available this Sunday for a free will donation.

King's Kids Camp, July 14-19, 2013. Registration forms are now available in the Welcome Center for kids 3rd grade through 7th grade. There is a $25 reduction in fees if you register by May 15.

Food Drive. The May food drive begins this Sunday. Please bring your canned goods and non-perishable items, which will be distributed to our partner food pantries throughout the St. Louis area. We also receive monetary donations.

David van Dyk. David's body was warmed this week and the paralyzing drugs removed. Today, the doctors are doing a tracheostomy, so please pray for a successful procedure, and for David to wake up soon

High Octane. Tonight, one of our seminary grads, D. J. Russell, is leading the "High Octane" Youth Service at 7:00 pm. Let's come out and support D. J. and the youth!

Sunday. The St. Paul's Congregation is a warm and loving family of God. Can't wait to see you all on Sunday. Invite a friend to come along!

Grace, mercy and peace to all!

A. Mark Friz, Senior Pastor  follow on Twitter | like on Facebook | forward to a friend  Copyright © 2013 St. Paul's Evangelical Church, All rights reserved.
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This Sunday at St. Paul's (April 28, 2013) Prayer meeting for David van Dyke on Saturday, April 27, at 7:00 Dear St. Paul's Congregation, Chris Kaiser Preaching. This Sunday, our new Youth Director/Pastoral Intern, Chris Kaiser, will be commissioned in both services. He will also be preaching a sermon in both services from Daniel 3 called, Faith Under Fire. Come and Learn about Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and their escape from Nebuchadezzar's furnace.

Mallorie Mason and Tim Amiri. You might remember the Palm Sunday snow storm, which prevented Mallorie Mason from coming to church for her confirmation. We have rescheduled her confirmation for the end of the first service. In the second service, Tim Amiri will receive his God and Me Award.

May Newsletter Online. The May Newsletter is now available in two formats. Hard copies are available in the welcome center, and you may access the electronic version by clicking here.


Cemetery Workday Canceled. The cemetery work day scheduled for tomorrow, April 27th, is going to have to be rescheduled due to the ground being too wet.  Please watch the “In Action” for the rescheduled date, or be in touch with Superintendent Janet Graeler if you have more questions!

Joyce O'Meara, Our dear friend and former member of St. Paul's, passed away last Sunday, April 21. A Memorial Service will be held later on this Summer, when he family is back in Owensville.

Special Prayer Meeting for David van Dyk. Please join us this Saturday night, April 27th, at 7 p.m. in Room 05 to lift up David van Dyk and his family in corporate prayer.  This will be an informal event, and we would love for families to participate together, since DVD has touched the lives of so many young people. Child care will also be provided for those who would like to have it available. For more information, please contact Dana Button at 636-244-3319.

"Together." Times like these remind us of the value of community, and doing life "together." We pray for each other. We worship with one another. We encourage one another, and spend time with one another. I look forward to seeing each of you this coming Sunday!

Blessings,
A. Mark Friz, Senior Pastor  follow on Twitter | like on Facebook | forward to a friend  Copyright © 2013 St. Paul's Evangelical Church, All rights reserved.
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Caring Bridge Link for David van Dyk Caring Bridge web site has been set up for David van Dyk.
Dear St. Paul's Congregation, A Caring Bridge website has been set up for David van Dyk. You can access it in one of two ways:

1. Go to www.caringbridge.org and type in the name "davidvandyk" with no spaces. You will be asked to enter your email address and create a login password.
2. Click on this link to create an account or sign in through your existing caring bridge account.

Again, we appreciate your restraint in texting and calling the family, and hope this will be a way to keep everyone informed, especially those who would like to pray for David on a regular basis.

Grace, mercy and peace to all,

A. Mark Friz, Senior Pastor  follow on Twitter | like on Facebook | forward to a friend  Copyright © 2013 St. Paul's Evangelical Church, All rights reserved.
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Prayer and Fasting for David van Dyk

Prayer and Fasting for David van Dyk

Dear St. Paul's Congregation, Donna Schalk, one of the members of our prayer team, is going to set up a prayer and fasting chart for those who would like to pray for David van Dyk during his healing process.

If you are interested in praying and fasting for David, please email Donna at this address: donnaschalk@rocketmail.com. You may also call her at 636-699-5923. Donna will put your name on a chart and assign you a time.

Thank you for your prayers for David.

Blessings,

A. Mark Friz, Senior Pastor  follow on Twitter | like on Facebook | forward to a friend  Copyright © 2013 St. Paul's Evangelical Church, All rights reserved.
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Worship on Sunday, 4/21; Prayer Update on DVD Daniel Series Continues this Sunday: "Rolling Stone," from Daniel 2. Urgent Prayer Update about David van Dyk. Dear St. Paul's Congregation, This Sunday, we return to our Daniel Series. Pastor Mark will be preaching a sermon from Daniel 2, called "Rolling Stone." It would be very helpful if you read this lengthy chapter before arriving at church this Sunday. It is the story of Nebuchadnezzar, and a dream. Good old King "Neb" was so unstable emotionally and mentally that he threatened to kill all of the wise men in his court if they would not tell him his dream and also give the interpretation. Does this remind you of any of the rulers in power today? Think North Korea. . . think Iran. I think our congregation will be much encouraged as we come to understand the identity of the "stone" that becomes a mountain

What else is happening this Sunday? NEWCOMER'S CLASS CONTINUES! If you are new to St. Paul's and interested in finding out more about our church, this is the ticket. Meeting will be held on Sunday, April 21, from 9:45 to 10:45, in Room 204. So far we have nine in the class. Let's make it 12!

This is our 170th Anniversary Year! Pastor Mark will give a "preview" by telling the story of how our church was planted 170 years ago. It is a wonderful story of a mother church helping a daughter church get her feet off the ground

Now, concerning David van Dyk. Anyone who knows David knows that he loves the Lord Jesus Christ with all his heart, soul, mind and strength. He loves the young people of our church. He has for many years been a counselor at King's Kids Camp. He has volunteered endless hours serving in our church's youth ministry. On the afternoon of Wednesday, April 17, David was hit by a car while doing his job at Sam's Club. He was bringing some shopping carts into the store when he was hit. He was flipped up and over and landed on his head, and has a very serious brain injury. He is right now in a medically induced coma at Mercy Hospital, and on a ventilator to keep his oxygen at optimum levels.

The next several days are crucial for David's healing. Please pray specifically for the swelling in his brain to go down, and for the injuries to his brain and skull to be miraculously healed by the Almighty God! Please pray scripture over him, and encourage others to pray. Consider Psalm 46, Psalm 121, Psalm 23, Romans 8, 2 Corinthians 1, Philippians 4, Isaiah 40, 41, 42, 43. "Lord, may the entire van Dyk Family experience streams in the desert of their suffering as they await for news during this healing process. May they sense a "peace that passes understanding" as your Holy Spirit ministers to their need. May the resurrection power of Jesus Christ bring healing to David."

About phone calls, texts, etc. Please call the church office for updates on David. He is not allowed any visitors at this time, as he needs to remain as calm as possible. We may establish an online communication network soon, but in the meantime, please refrain from sending lots of texts and emails, asking for updates from the family. We will keep you informed of any changes.

This is a time for our St. Paul's family to be diligent in prayer, in faith, and in hope! Our God is an awesome God.

Grace, mercy and peace to all!

A. Mark Friz, Senior Pastor  follow on Twitter | like on Facebook | forward to a friend  Copyright © 2013 St. Paul's Evangelical Church, All rights reserved.
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Prayer Request for David van Dyk Use this area to offer a short teaser of your email's content. Text here will show in the preview area of some email clients. Dear St. Paul's Congregation, One of our members, David van Dyk, was hit by a car today in the WalMart parking lot where he worked. David is at Mercy Hospital in intensive care with brain injuries. Please lift up David in prayer. At this time, no visitors are allowed, so please honor this request. Please pray for the swelling in David's head to recede, and for a complete healing from this terrible accident.
    
 Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love,
 that he may deliver their soul from death and keep them alive in famine.
 Our soul waits for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.
 For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name.
 Let your steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us, even as we hope in you.
(Psalm 33:18-22 ESV)

Let us hope and trust in the Lord,

A. Mark Friz, Senior Pastor  follow on Twitter | like on Facebook | forward to a friend  Copyright © 2013 St. Paul's Evangelical Church, All rights reserved.
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Todd Wilson is Guest Preacher This Sunday Sunday, April 14: A Special Focus on Parenting and Grandparenting Dear St. Paul's Congregation, Guest Preacher. This Sunday, our focus will be on "family" as we host a guest preacher, Todd Wilson, of Familyman Ministries. Todd is a dad, writer, conference speaker, and former pastor. His articles have appeared in various magazines. Christianity Today also posts his weekly column (The Familyman Weekly) on their website.

The Vision Statement of Saint Paul’s Church reads as follows: “Strengthening Families and Relationships Through the Love of Christ.” It is our privilege, as a church, to offer this Sunday’s message, "Irresistible Parenting and Grandparenting," based on Ephesians 6:1-4, as an opportunity to strengthen the families in our community at both the 8:30 and 11:00 services. We pray that you will be refreshed as you worship this Sunday, and hopefully, we can laugh at ourselves just a little as we consider the joys and burdens of living as family. Between Services, from 9:45 to 10:45, be sure to attend Todd Wilson's Adult Bible Study Class in the Auditorium. His theme will be, "An Unbeatable Team."

Our Announcements on Sunday will Highlight our Children's and Youth Ministry, and will be given by volunteers and staff. Please be sure to invite your friends to attend and find out more about what is going on at St. Paul's! The Celebration Ringers (children's bell choir) will play in both services this Sunday. If you want to hear them at the 11:00 service, please arrive by 10:55, as they will be playing the pre-service music.

Other Things to Remember.

1. Please remember our special prayer focus for April, which has to do with families. The task of raising children in our changing culture becomes more and more complex as the years go by. Let us pray especially for our parents!
2. Also, don't forget the special luncheon following the 11:00 service to honor Keith Kozlowski for his three years of service as our Interim Youth Coordinator. Keith has served our church for many years as a member of our worship team, and also as a volunteer in youth ministry. Please bring two side dishes to prepare. The main entree will be provided.

Grace, mercy and peace to all!

A. Mark Friz, Senior Pastor  follow on Twitter | like on Facebook | forward to a friend  Copyright © 2013 St. Paul's Evangelical Church, All rights reserved.
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Daniel Series Begins With David Aslin Testimony Sunday, April 7, at St. Paul's! Dear St. Paul's Congregation, Take a look at the picture I'm sending with this email. It contains an empty cross, draped in white, at the front of the St. Paul's sanctuary. There are Easter lilies decorating the chancel. These are the symbols of the resurrection, and the power of the resurrection. The Bible uses the word dunamis, or dynamite, to describe the power of the resurrection. It is a power that can conquer death, and it is a power that can stop any weapon fashioned against God's children. As your pastor, I encourage you to meditate this special power and employ the power of the resurrection in your personal life (see explanation at bottom of this email).*

This Sunday, April 7, we start a new sermon series on Daniel. It is called, "Living By Faith in Turbulent Times." This Sunday we will be talking about the turbulence of cultural change, as we meditate together on Daniel 1. David Aslin will talk about how he shares his faith on campus, and about his stand for abstinence through Breakdown Saint Louis. I encourage you to read Daniel 1 before Sunday, so that your heart can be prepared as we start this new series

The Youth Ministry is on a retreat this weekend at Branson. This will be the first retreat with the new youth leader, Chris Kaiser. Please pray for the group of about 12 that will be attending.

The Sunday after Easter is affectionately known among pastors as "Low Sunday." That means, "Low in Attendance." How about proving us wrong!

Grace, mercy and peace to all!

A. Mark Friz, Senior Pastor

*In Philippians 3:10, Paul said, “I want to know Him (meaning Christ) and the power of his resurrection.”  The word “power” is the Greek word dunamis, which means "to be excellent of soul!" Dunamis is the power that heals our souls of every wound caused by sin.  When we partake of both the blood that comes from the cross, and the power (or dunamis) that comes through the resurrection, we gain the power to confront any difficulty that may come our way through the power of Christ.  follow on Twitter | like on Facebook | forward to a friend  Copyright © 2013 St. Paul's Evangelical Church, All rights reserved.
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Imagine Video Online Watch a video about St. Paul's Vision for the year 2013. Dear St. Paul's Congregation, Many of you have been asking to see our St. Paul's "Imagine" Video. It is now available online. Just click here to watch the video, and be reminded about all that God is doing at St. Paul's.

While you are at it, why not "like" St. Paul's on Facebook, by clicking here.

Let's get the Good News out into the community about our loving church!

A. Mark Friz, Senior Pastor  follow on Twitter | like on Facebook | forward to a friend  Copyright © 2013 St. Paul's Evangelical Church, All rights reserved.
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Elda Niehaus Funeral Information Use this area to offer a short teaser of your email's content. Text here will show in the preview area of some email clients. Dear St. Paul's Congregation, "Christ is Risen! He is Risen, Indeed!" This is the message that rang out from St. Paul's on Sunday morning as over 500 gathered for worship in our three Easter morning services.

On the very next day, this same message brought comfort to the family of one of our long time members, Elda Niehaus, who entered into her heavenly home. Elda is the mother of Pat Schnarr, and had been a resident of Friendship Village for 28 years.

All of the funeral activities for Elda Niehaus will take place at St. Paul's on Friday morning, April 5. Visitation will be from 9 to 11:00. The funeral service begins at 11:00, with burial following in St. Paul's cemetery. A funeral luncheon will follow.

Later on this week, you will be able to view Elda's obituary at the Schraeder Funeral Home web site.

Our sincere sympathy to Elda's family.

Grace, mercy and peace to all,

A. Mark Friz, Senior Pastor  follow on Twitter | like on Facebook | forward to a friend  Copyright © 2013 St. Paul's Evangelical Church, All rights reserved.
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Good Friday's Cross Leads to Easter's Crown

A Warm Welcome to St. Paul's for Good Friday and Easter Worship

Dear St. Paul's Congregation, The picture I have chosen for this email was painted by Lillian Thoele, a member of Salem Church in Florissant, when I was a child. It is now the centerpiece of a huge mural at Salem Church. It is a reminder that the cross should always be at the center of our Christian faith. I hope that the cross will remain front and center in your worship this weekend.

1. On Good Friday, we begin with a prayer vigil at 6:00 a.m. and continue to 6 p.m. I will be there to open the church for the early risers, and hopefully, you have all been able to get a copy of the Good Friday Prayer Sheet. If not, you can find it on our web site at the following link.
2. Our Good Friday pre-service music begins at 7:00 p.m., with the service starting at 7:15.  You will not want to miss the Good Friday service. We have rented a spot light to keep the focus on the cross as we walk down the Via Dolorosa (The Path of Suffering) from Pilate's House to Calvary. Various readers, prayer leaders, and tenebrae servers will help us meditate on the meaning of each station.
3. Easter Morning begins at 6:30 with the Sunrise Serivce. We will have a youth worship band led by Keith Kozlowski and a sermon preached by Chris Kaiser. Weather permitting, the service will be held outside by the cemetery.
4. Easter Breakfast is at 7:15
5. Traditional Worship is at 8:30. Pastor Mark's sermon from John 20:1-18 is called, "The Road to the Empty Tomb."
6. The Children's "Walk With Jesus" if from 9:45 to 10:45
7. The Contemporary Service, with Unison Choir, will be from 11 to 12:15. Criag Caesar will share a testimony in both services.

A blessed and joyful Easter to all. Let us remember both the cross and the crown during this most holy of days.

A. Mark Friz, Senior Pastor  follow on Twitter | like on Facebook | forward to a friend  Copyright © 2013 St. Paul's Evangelical Church, All rights reserved.
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March 20, Last Wednesday Lenten Service: Evan Ives, Juanita Harned

March 20 Lenten Supper and Service

Dear St. Paul's Congregation, You won't want to miss tomorrow's Lenten Supper and Service.

1. We begin at 6:00 with a spaghetti dinner, sponsored by Membership Care and Stephen Ministries. All are welcome. $3 donation recommended.
2. At 6:40, Evan Ives will share his testimony.
3. At 7:00, the Hymn Sing begins in the Sanctuary
4. The testimony during worship will be delivered by Juanita Harned
5. The sermon on our "Pilgrimage" theme will be delivered by Daniel Lockett (1 Samuel 30:1-6)
6. We will say prayers over Robb Hicks, Jorge del Cid, and Daniel Locket, as they prepare to leave on Thursday for a medical mission to Honduras.
7. Matt and Jennifer Mazzoni will share the special music for the evening.
8. The Good Friday Prayer Vigil sign-up will be available.
9. As always, we will enjoy great fellowship and Christian caregiving.

I look forward to being with as many as are able to come for this, our last Wednesday Service.

A. Mark Friz, Senior Pastor  follow on Twitter | like on Facebook | forward to a friend  Copyright © 2013 St. Paul's Evangelical Church, All rights reserved.
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Sunday's Coming Ten Students to Present their Faith this Sunday, March 17 Dear St. Paul's Congregation, Do you ever wonder if the Christian Faith is being "caught" by the younger generation? Let me reassure you, there is much to praise God for! In the past two weeks, three of our 7th and 8th graders have been baptized. This coming Sunday, March 17, ten of our students will make a presentation of their faith in front of the St. Paul's Congregation.

This year, along with the standard questions based on the scriptures and the Evangelical Catechism, I will also be asking the students some "extemporaneous" questions about their faith. I want the congregation to be able to see how the students are able to think about their faith, and also give you a glimpse into their hearts! As you greet our 7th and 8th graders this Sunday, take a moment to encourage them in their faith walk, and let them know they are loved.

Here is some information to bring you "up-to-date" on things happening at St. Paul's.

1. Chris and Tina Kaiser will be arriving this weekend. Chris is our new Youth Director. Both Chris and Keith Kozlowski will be leading our Easter Sunrise Service this year. Chris and Keith will work together during a month of transition in leadership, from March 17 to April 14. Let's keep our youth ministry in our prayers.
2. Terri Booher is retiring on March 31. There will be a party for  Terri on Wednesday, April 3, 12:00 noon, here at the church. If you would like to come, please RSVP to Jannet Dieckgraefe (jdieckgraefe@stpaulsefree.org)
3. The Prayer Vigil is back! Good Friday is the day when intercessory prayers are emphasized throughout the entire Christian Church. Please plan to choose a time slot from the chart at the back of the church, and come up to St. Paul's and pray on Good Friday.
4. Dustin Burggraaf has taken on extra duties at St. Paul's, and is now a member of our full time staff, as of April 1. Dustin's job titles will be "Contemporary Worship Director" and "Director of Communication." Basically, Dustin will be overseeing everything at St. Paul's dealing with contemporary worship, technology and communication.

As you can see, there is a lot happening at St. Paul's, and God is at work among us. Let us be in prayer for the power of the Holy Spirit to rest upon our congregation!

Grace, mercy and peace to all!

A. Mark Friz, Senior Pastor  follow on Twitter | like on Facebook | forward to a friend  Copyright © 2013 St. Paul's Evangelical Church, All rights reserved.
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Daylight Savings Time Starts on Sun., March 10

St. Matthew Passion Continues This Sunday

Dear St. Paul's Congregation, Why do they always have Daylight Savings Time start on Sundays? Is it because they know that Christians, who worship weekly on the day of Christ's resurrection, are so filled with love for their Lord that they will give up that extra hour of sleep? Or perhaps it is because Christians, who are schooled in spiritual disciplines, are faithful enough to make the change. Perhaps it is because there would be a huge negative economic impact if it happened on a work day. Whatever the reason, WE LOSE AN HOUR this Sunday night, so let us joyfully SPRING FORWARD one hour together as we prepare for worship on Sunday, March 10!

I'm wondering if you could keep the following items in your prayers:

1. Confirmation Students as they prepare for their presentation on Sunday, March 17
2. Members of the Congregation who might like to be baptized this Wednesday, March 13. (Please speak to Pastor Dan or Mark if interested).
3. Chris and Tina Kaiser as they are in the process of moving to Saint Louis to become our youth ministry leaders the week of March 10-17.
4. Sanctity of Life ABF which continues to meet on Sundays at 9:45. This week, Doug Merkey returns.
5. The REFO Church Plant in Moabit, Berlin, which is dealing with spiritual warfare in one of the marriages.
6. Preparations being made now for Palm Sunday, Good Friday and Easter Services.
7. Our Elders and Deacons, which will meet next Monday, March 11.

This Sunday, Pastor Mark will preach from Matthew 26:57-75. The sermon is called, "Sounds and Silence," and will explore the constraints our love for Christ places on our tongues. I look forward to seeing you all!

Grace, mercy and peace to all!

A. Mark Friz, Senior Pastor  follow on Twitter | like on Facebook | forward to a friend  Copyright © 2013 St. Paul's Evangelical Church, All rights reserved.
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Sunday, March 3: Baptism, Stephen Ministers, St. Matthew Passion

Beckemeier Baptism This Sunday

Dear St. Paul's Congregation, Coming Up This Sunday. David Wilbur Beckemeier will be baptized this coming Sunday, March 3rd, in the second service. David is the infant son of Randy and Linda Beckemeier. We look forward to celebrating with the family. We also look forward to commissioning several Stephen Ministers this Sunday in both services. Stephen Ministers have participated in 50 hours of training to learn the ins and outs of listening and giving pastoral care. Let us rejoice with the training that has been accomplished and the willing hearts of our Stephen Ministers! The Bell Choir will play this Sunday in the first service. The Sanctity of Life ABF continues from 9:45 to 10:45 in the auditorium.

Sermon. Pastor Mark will continue the sermon series this week on The Saint Matthew Passion. This week, our sermon takes us to the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus was left to pray alone while his disciples slept. This was also the fateful place where the betrayer planted a kiss on Jesus' cheek. Let us continue in our Lenten Vigil by giving attention to regular worship and contemplation on the scriptures found in Matthew 26-28.

Immersion Baptism on Wednesday, March 13. We will have the baptistry with us again at St. Paul's. If you would like to be baptized and have not followed Christ in this holy ordinance, please let Pastor Dan or me know. We would love to include you in the baptism that night.

Don't forget that The Bible miniseries begins this Sunday, March 3. I would encourage everyone to set their DVR's to record the History Channel from 8 to 10:00 p.m. This is touted to be an epic television event, by many Evangelical Christian organizations. Find someone to watch with you! Discuss what you see afterward. I believe this will be one more way you can prepare yourself to cross the "Bridge to Easter."

I look forward to worshiping with you on Sunday!

Grace, mercy and peace to all!

A. Mark Friz, Senior Pastor  follow on Twitter | like on Facebook | forward to a friend  Copyright © 2013 St. Paul's Evangelical Church, All rights reserved.
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3rd Wednesday in Lent: Our Pilgrimage Continues

Confirmation Testimonies and Psalm 121 TONIGHT

Dear St. Paul's Congregation, Tonight we continue our Lenten Series on Pilgrimage. Pastor Mark will preach from Psalm 121, and the theme is "God's Protection on our Pilgrimage."

There will be a dinner tonight at 6:00. The temperature is above freezing all day long, so don't let the snow stop you! Testimonies at 6:40 include confirmands David Braton and Mallorie Mason. We will move up to the sanctuary at 7:00 for hymn sing. Robb Hicks will finish his testimony tonight in the sanctuary. Gayle Friz and Cathy Paul will play flute and oboe for the offertory.

Special Prayer Request: Please pray for Chris and Tina Kaiser, as they are showing their house this weekend (located in Irons, Michigan), and it would be very helpful it they could sell their house before they move to St. Louis. Chris and Tina are putting their life on the lines to respond to the call to St. Paul's. They have given up their jobs, they are leaving their house in the woods, and they are downsizing to make this move. Please, pray for EVERY ASPECT OF THEIR TRANSITION. Pray for God to do some specific miracles which will let them know that God's Spirit is orchestrating this entire event.

Grace, mercy and peace to all!

A. Mark Friz, Senior Pastor  follow on Twitter | like on Facebook | forward to a friend  Copyright © 2013 St. Paul's Evangelical Church, All rights reserved.
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This Sunday, 2/17: The Saint Matthew Passion Begins The Saint Matthew Passion Sermon Series Begins This Sunday Dear St. Paul's Congregation, Three Tiered Budget. Unfortunately, we had ice and snow on the last Sunday in January and the first in February, when we collected our faith commitment cards. Our deacons are requesting that regular members and attenders at St. Paul's please return the cards through the mail, or fill out cards at church and place them in the offering container. This year, we have a three tiered budget, one based on "essential needs", one based on "faith," and one based on "vision." Your commitment cards will help the deacons make decisions about how many of our "faith" and "vision" initiatives can be funded in the coming year. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP!

Saint Matthew Passion. J. S. Bach wrote the St. Matthew Passion Oratorio in 1727. But the words of Passion were recorded by Matthew in the 1st Century AD. This Sunday, Pastor Mark Friz will preach from Matthew 26:1-16, the first section dealing with the final week of Jesus' life on earth. This Sunday sermon is called, "Personalities of the Passion." Small groups will also meet to discuss Matthew's words throughout the week.

1st Sunday of Lent. Lent is a season of preparation and repentance during which we anticipate Good Friday and Easter. Historically, the practice of a forty-day preparation period began during the third and fourth centuries. The number 40 carris biblical significance based on the 40 years Israel spent in the wilderness and Jesus' forty-day fast in the wilderness. Perhaps this "Lenten Litany" will be helpful as you travel your journey to Easter:

  Jesus the Christ, you refused to turn stones into bread.   Save us from using our power, however little, to satisfy the demands of selfishness in the face of the greater needs of others.   Jesus the Christ, you refused to leap from the temple top.   Save us from displaying our skills, however modest, to win instant popularity in the face of nobler calls on our abilities.   Jesus the Christ, you refused to bend the knee to a false god.   Save us from offering our devotion, however weak, to cheap or easy religion in the face of the harder path on which you bid us to follow you.   Jesus the Christ,   Give us wisdom to discern evil, and in the face of all that is deceptively attractive, help us to choose the will of God. Amen.
Wednesday, February 20. D. J. Russell will preach concerning The Road to the Promised Land from Hebrews 11. Lenten supper starts at 6:00. Lenten worship starts at 7:15.

Grace, mercy and peace to all!

A. Mark Friz, Senior Pastor  follow on Twitter | like on Facebook | forward to a friend  Copyright © 2013 St. Paul's Evangelical Church, All rights reserved.
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