St. Paul's Lutheran Church & School

Another wonderful Sunday at St. Paul's. Thanks to the Chancel Choir and School Choir for their musical offerings during worship.

Jesus’ parable about two sons who don’t do what they say reveals surprises in the reign of God. In the reading from Ezekiel the people claim the ways of the Lord are unfair, while God offers repentance and new life. Paul urges us to look to Christ as a model of humility, putting the interests of others above our own. Nourished by the broken bread and shared cup, we offer our lives for the sake of our needy world.

All are welcome to join us in worship! We offer services on Saturdays at 5:30 p.m., as well as Sundays at 9 and 11 a.m. Our 9 a.m. worship service is livestreamed and can be viewed at stpaulswaverly.org/live. We welcome our Chancel Choir at our 9 a.m. service and the School Choir at our 11 a.m. service.

We would also like to thank our altar flower and radio broadcast sponsors for this weekend. The radio broadcast is sponsored by Bob & Jean Buckingham in honor of Lois Denner’s birthday. Altar flowers are given by Karen Oberheu in memory of her son, Douglas Norton.

All 3rd and 4th graders are invited to join us for a no school party on Friday, October 6 from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. We will have games, Bible study, snacks and more! Cost is $5 and you must pre-register. Friends are invited to join us! Deadline to register is Wednesday, October 4. Register at www.stpaulswaverly.org/register.

5th & 6th Grade No School Party
All 5th and 6th graders are invited to join us for a no school party on Friday, October 6 from 1 to 4 p.m. We will have games, Bible study, snacks and more! Cost is $5 and you must pre-register. Friends are invited to join us! Deadline to register is Wednesday, October 4. Register at www.stpaulswaverly.org/register.

Join the Capstone Class at Pizza Ranch on TONIGHT from 5-8pm! 10% of all sales will be donated to the Capstone Project.
Don't forget to grab a Scrip card from the church office before you go!

Thank you to the chancel choir and the Cherub Choir for sharing their special music with us on Sunday morning. We also celebrated a baptism at our 11 a.m. service.

Join the school and their families TONIGHT! We are so excited to have another fun night at Chuck E. Cheese this Friday. Just mention that you are with St. Paul's and PTO will get 20% . Don't you just love this poster created by Logan Hofer and Liam Keith, our two 6th graders who are in charge of Marketing and Publicity! Stop by the Church Office to buy Scrip Cards for Chuck E. Cheese.

It was another fun Wednesday for faith formation programs. Our K-6th grade Saints Alive students learned about Noah and how God will always be with us. Confirmation students talked about the catechism and high school students talked about forgiveness and not judging others.

Join the school for worship on Thursday morning at 8:35 a.m. This week our 5th and 6th graders will share about their experiences at Ewalu. For this week, they will meet in the parish hall. All are welcome to join us!

In the second reading Paul questions why we judge one another since we all stand before the judgment of God. Yet we do sin against one another, and Jesus’ challenge that we forgive seventy-seven times reveals God’s boundless mercy. When we hear the words of forgiveness in worship and sign ourselves with the cross, we are renewed in baptism to be signs of reconciliation in the world.

All are welcome to join us in worship! We offer services on Saturdays at 5:30 p.m., as well as Sundays at 9 and 11 a.m. Our 9 a.m. worship service is livestreamed and can be viewed at stpaulswaverly.org/live. We welcome our Bells of Praise Choir at our 9 a.m. service and the Friends of the Lord Choir at our 11 a.m. service.

We would also like to thank our altar flower and radio broadcast sponsors for this weekend. The radio broadcast is sponsored by family in loving memory of Bill and Judy Engelbrecht. Altar flowers are given by Renae Bockholt in honor of and in memory of loved ones.

It was a fun day and night of faith formation. Saints Alive students learned about the first fall and that we always have God's word to help us when we fall. Our older students also helped with the Day of Caring by making some snowflakes for a later event. Our confirmation students talked about what it means to belong to God, how we need to include everyone (yes you see reverse musical chairs happening) and how we can use our gifts and talents as part of the body of Christ. Of course, Deb forgot to take high school youth group photos, but they played four on a couch and also talked about belonging to God as part of our stewardship series. A fun night!

It was a wonderful Sunday at St. Paul's! We welcomed back the chancel choir at our 9 a.m. service and were delighted to have the Wartburg Choir with us for our 11 a.m. service.

Conflict is a part of relationships and life in community. Jesus’ words in today's gospel are often used in situations having to do with church discipline. The prophet Ezekiel tells of warning the wicked to turn from their ways, and Paul reminds us that love is the fulfilling of the law. We gather in the name of Christ, assured that he is present among us with gifts of peace and reconciliation.

All are welcome to join us in worship! We offer services on Saturdays at 5:30 p.m., as well as Sundays at 9 and 11 a.m. Our 9 a.m. worship service is livestreamed and can be viewed at stpaulswaverly.org/live. We welcome our chancel choir at our 9 a.m. service and the Wartburg Choir at our 11 a.m. service.

We would also like to thank our altar flower and radio broadcast sponsors for this weekend. The altar flowers are given in memory of Herb and Kristen Hafermann. The radio broadcast is sponsored in loving memory of Ernest & Verna Brandt by their friends and family.

God’s Work Our Hands Sunday
This year for God’s Work Our Hands Sunday (Sept. 10), we are partnering with Bartels. Our school students will be making placemats for the event we will be working at. We are looking for volunteers for the following:
Set up and helping clients to the event
Providing refreshments/dessert for after the event
Clean up and helping clients back to their rooms after the event.
Please use the sign up links provided to sign up for any of these options. All the details for each slot are on the sign ups.
Volunteers: https://stpaulswaverly.churchcenter.com/.../events/1917805
Baked Goods: https://stpaulswaverly.churchcenter.com/.../events/1917863

2024 ELCA Youth Gathering
The 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering will be held in July of 2024 in New Orleans. Any student currently in grades 8-12 are eligible to attend. The deadline to register is Wednesday, Sept. 13. You can get more information and/or a registration form from Deb Bachman, director of faith formation.

God’s Work Our Hands Sunday

This year for God’s Work Our Hands Sunday (Sept. 10), we are partnering with Bartels. Our school students will be making placemats for the event we will be working at. We are looking for volunteers for the following:

Set up and helping clients to the event
Providing refreshments/dessert for after the event
Clean up and helping clients back to their rooms after the event.

Please use the sign up links provided to sign up for any of these options. All the details for each slot are on the sign ups.

Volunteers: https://stpaulswaverly.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1917805
Baked Goods: https://stpaulswaverly.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1917863

Help Wanted: 1) Associate to help hearing impaired preschool student on M/W/F from 8-3:00. Looking for someone that is willing to learn basic American Sign Language. 2) Preschool Associate Mondays-Fridays, 8-3:30. 3) Substitute teachers & associates. Please contact Principal Johnson [email protected] or 319-352-1484

The prophet Jeremiah speaks of the incurable wound of his suffering yet finds in God’s words the delight of his heart. When Peter doesn’t grasp Jesus’ words about suffering, Jesus tells the disciples they will find their lives in losing them. Such sacrificial love is described by Paul when he urges us to associate with the lowly and not repay evil with evil. In worship we gather as a community that we might offer ourselves for the sake of our suffering world.

All are welcome to join us in worship! We offer services on Saturdays at 5:30 p.m., as well as Sundays at 9 and 11 a.m. Our 9 a.m. worship service is livestreamed and can be viewed at stpaulswaverly.org/live.

We would also like to thank our altar flower and radio broadcast sponsors for this weekend. The altar flowers are given by June Hicks & family in memory of Tom Hicks’ birthday. The radio broadcast is sponsored by Wayne & Sally Nolte in honor and in thanksgiving for Pastor Patricia Shaw.

School Open House
All are invited to join us on Sunday, September 3 for an open house of the newly renovated St. Paul’s School. A small dedication will be happening at each of our worship services this weekend. There will be tours available on Sunday the 3rd between services from 10-11 a.m.

God’s Work Our Hands Sunday
This year for God’s Work Our Hands Sunday (Sept. 10), we are partnering with Bartels. Our school students will be making placemats for the event we will be working at. We are looking for volunteers for the following:
Set up and helping clients to the event
Providing refreshments/dessert for after the event
Clean up and helping clients back to their rooms after the event.

All the details for each slot are on the sign ups. You can sign up at www.stpaulswaverly.org/register.

The Faith Formation Programming begins tomorrow, Wednesday, August 30. Here's the line up of all that is happening for our children and youth:
2 p.m. Saints Alive
4:20 p.m. Cherub Choir and Friends of the Lord Choir
5 p.m. Confirmation
7 p.m. High School Youth Group

Tonight's the night!

Join the Capstone Class at Pizza Ranch on Monday, August 28th from 5-8pm! 10% of all sales will be donated to the Capstone Project.

Don't forget to grab a Scrip card from the church office before you go!

In Isaiah the people are advised to look to their spiritual ancestors as the rock from which they were hewn. Jesus declares that the church will be built on the rock of Peter’s bold confession of faith. God’s word of reconciliation and God’s mercy are keys to the church’s mission. Paul urges us to not be conformed to this world but to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice, using our individual gifts to build up the body of Christ. From the table we go forth to offer our spiritual worship through word and deed.

All are welcome to join us in worship! We offer services on Saturdays at 5:30 p.m., as well as Sundays at 9 and 11 a.m. Our 9 a.m. worship service is livestreamed and can be viewed at stpaulswaverly.org/live. During all three of our worship services this weekend, we will celebrate the installation of our new Lead Pastor Dave Efflandt.

We would also like to thank our altar flower and radio broadcast sponsors for this weekend. The altar flowers are given in memory of Anna Korth and honoring her 19th birthday. The radio broadcast is sponsored by Don & Karen Neil in loving memory of Karen’s sons, Terry & Tracy Schulz.

August’s Senior Lunch will be August 29, 2023, with the program starting at 10:30 a.m. and lunch at 11 a.m. All interested people over the age of 60 (and visitors) are welcome. The program speaker are Pastor Dave Efflandt and Principal Tamela Johnson giving an update on the church& school. The meal is chicken noodle bake, salad, and dessert. Please register with St. Paul’s office at 319-352-3850 or online (https://stpaulswaverly.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1892915)

August Senior Adult Lunch - St. Paul's Lutheran Church & School August’s Senior Lunch will be August 29, 2023, with the program starting at 10:30 a.m. and lunch at 11 a.m. All interested people over the age of 60 (and visitors) are welcome. The program speaker s are Pastor Dave Efflandt and Principal Tamela Johnson giving an update on the church & school. ...

HIGH SCHOOL PROGRESSIVE DINNER

Join the Family and Youth Board and all high school students (friends are welcome) to join us for a progressive dinner on Sunday, August 27 starting at 5 p.m. There is no cost for this event. Details on where to meet will be emailed out the day before the event to those registered.

We will travel to a destination for an appetizer course, then travel to another destination for the main course and side and one final destination for dessert. We should be done around 6:30 p.m. that evening. Registration is required for this event. Deadline to register is Friday, August 25.

Registration link: https://stpaulswaverly.churchcenter.com/.../events/1878399

Faith Formation Orientation Meetings:
There are 2 options for both children's and youth orientation meetings. Parents (students do not need to attend) with children in Saints Alive and Confirmation are required to attend one of these sessions. Parents with children in choir only are strongly encouraged to attend to hear about other opportunities and our safety policies. Parents with students in high school are strongly encouraged to hear about all the opportunities, including the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans.
Children's ministry is for 6th grade and under. Youth Ministry is for 7th grade through 12th grade.

You only need to choose one. All will be held in parish hall (gym).

Children's Ministry: Choose 1 session
Wednesday, August 23 at 6:30 p.m. OR
Sunday, August 27 at 10 a.m.

Youth Ministry: Choose 1 session
Wednesday, August 23 at 7:30 p.m. OR
Sunday, August 27 at 12 p.m.

Join the Capstone Class at Pizza Ranch on Monday, August 28th from 5-8pm! 10% of all sales will be donated to the Capstone Project.

Don't forget to grab a Scrip card from the church office before you go!

Due to the extreme heat predicted this week, the Capstone To-Go Meal planned for this Thursday has been cancelled. We hope to see you all at Pizza Ranch on August 28th!

It was a great day at St. Paul's! During worship, we had a special blessings for all teachers, staff and students heading back to school this week (or in the next few weeks). Hurts Donuts made fellowship time a little special today. Then we had lunch and a foam party following our 11 a.m. service. A hot, but fun way to end summer and kick off the new school year!

In Isaiah we hear that God’s house shall be a house of prayer for all people and that God will gather the outcasts of Israel. The Canaanite woman in today’s gospel is a Gentile, an outsider, who is unflinching in her request that Jesus heal her daughter. As Jesus commends her bold faith, how might our church extend its mission to those on the margins of society? In our gathering around word and meal we receive strength to be signs of comfort, healing, and justice for those in need.

Sermon Series Focus: Love one another, all other commandments depend on this one.

All are welcome to join us in worship! We offer services on Saturdays at 5:30 p.m., as well as Sundays at 9 and 11 a.m. Our 9 a.m. worship service is livestreamed and can be viewed at stpaulswaverly.org/live. All are invited to join us for our Back to School Bash. During each of our 2 Sunday worship services, there will be a special blessing and gift for teachers, staff and students. Between the services, there will be Hurts Donuts as a special treat. Then starting at 11:45 a.m., we will serve a light lunch and a foam party in our green space.

We would also like to thank our altar flower and radio broadcast sponsors for this weekend. The altar flowers are given by Howard & Fran Mueller in honor of their 65th wedding anniversary. The radio broadcast is sponsored in loving memory of Ernest & Verna Brandt by their friends and family.

Construction Update
We are nearing the end of the project. There are still small things that need to be completed. Thank you for your patience and excitement as we work towards the end of the project. Mark your calendars for a public dedication the weekend of September 2-3. Tours will be available that weekend as well.
Thank you to all of these volunteers who helped this week to move things back into the school!

Help support our school capstone program and enjoy a delicious meal! The next capstone to go meal is Thursday, Aug. 24 during the car cruise from 5-7 p.m.
Preorders are strongly encouraged at the link below. There will be a limited number of walk-up meals available.

All meals are $10 and there is a family bundle where it's $40 for a family of 4 or more.
You have a choice of hamburger or hot dog. Each meal also includes sweet corn, watermelon and bottled water. With our to-go meals, veterans eat free!

Registration link: https://stpaulswaverly.churchcenter.com/.../events/1881952

Tonight was the last campfire worship of the summer. A bit windy, but still a wonderful evening!

Back to School Bash

This Sunday, August 20, all are invited to join us for our Back to School Bash. During each of our 2 Sunday worship services, there will be a special blessing and gift for teachers, staff and students. Between the services, there will be Hurts Donuts as a special treat. Then starting at 11:45 a.m., we will serve a light lunch and a foam party in our green space. All are welcome to join us!

Thank you to all of the help that came last night (Monday) to get some things moved back into the school!

We know that summers can be busy with family vacations and children's activities. Making it to church can be difficult so we encourage you to join us online this summer by watching the live stream or viewing the weekly recording when it's most convenient for you and your family (www.stpaulswaverly.org/live)

Please take a Summer Communion Kit with you on your next vacation or for the next time you know you won't make it to church. Use the communion elements provided as you watch the service online. These kits can be picked up at the welcome center in the narthex or at the reception desk outside the main church office.

Thank you for joining us virtually and making St. Paul's an important part of your summer.