St. Paul's News

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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