Upcoming Activities:

October 18 Volunteer Appreciation Day to honor and celebrate all those who give their time in service to St. Paul’s. The event will be held in the basement prior to the voters meeting

October 31 Light the Night.  The Board of Evangelism is excited to announce our annual Light the Night event on October 31 from 6:00 to 7:30. This is a fun evening to host a table and share some treats with families in our community.  We will have door prizes, Arch books, hot chocolate and photo opportunity, along with sharing information about St. Paul's church and ECC.  Please use the below link to sign up to host a table or contact Ashleigh.  Those hosting a table are encouraged to decorate the provided table, hand out whatever type of treats you decide to bring and dress up if you'd like.  Set up will begin at 4:00, with doors opening at 6:00 p.m.  This is a wonderful opportunity to reach families in our community so we greatly appreciate your participation!  Thank you!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/904044DA8A62CA0FF2-58674941-light

December 6 Christmas caroling at 1:30. Please save the date for visiting our shut-ins and seniors with some Christmas cheer.  Sign-up will begin soon! 

Service opportunities:

We plan to participate with the Ministries Unlimited Thanksgiving meals for needy families event this year and are signed up to help 20 families.  Watch for more information to come and a poster in the narthex with needed items.

Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes will again be available to fill this year.

Date is to be determined to sort and stock food at Ministries Unlimited following Scouting for Food collection in November.  Watch for more information.

Need a good way to start your day? Consider listening to the daily devotion from Pastor Will Weedon on the Lutheran Public Radio app, titled "The Word of the Lord Endures Forever". Currently, Pastor Weedon is working through some of the Psalms.  The podcasts are approximately 15 minutes long and perfect to listen to on your drive to work or at any time during your day.

Confirmation classes have begun. If you know of any families with a 7th- or 8th-grader who would like to attend confirmation classes, please feel free to forward this email to them.

CHOIRCHIMES will start rehearsals on Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 5:15 PM in the church balcony. No previous experience or note reading skills are required! All ages Jr High through adults are encouraged to come. Please text Karen Shimkus at 540-0810 for more information!

Madison County Transit Grant – Ministries Unlimited has received a grant from the Madison County Micro Transit Department for travel between the Troy area and the Maryville area.  This grant is not based on financial need, but instead on a transportation need.  One token will provide transportation to a designated spot and one token would be needed to return home.  MCT Micro will pick you up at your door depending on accessibility and drop you off at your desired location.  The driver will pick up and drop off other riders so scheduled stops ensure rider’s trips are carried out on time.  All buses are wheelchair accessible.   If interested, contact Ashleigh at the church office to receive the tokens for no charge.  To book a ride, one can call 618-797-4636.

The Elders Are Praying... Will You Join Us?

One of the responsibilities entrusted to the Board of Elders is prayer for the congregation. We pray for those who are sick or grieving, for our children, youth, pastor, teachers, missionaries, and all who gather at St. Paul's.

We also pray for those who have been absent and for those whom God is calling to hear His Word.

In the coming months, we invite the congregation to join us in praying especially for increased worship and Sunday School attendance.  Every person in worship is hearing God's forgiveness in Christ. Every child in Sunday School is another opportunity for God's Word to take root. We pray because eternal things are at stake.

Our Lord Jesus invites us to pray with confidence:

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you."

Matthew 7:7

He also promises concerning His Church:

"I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."

Matthew 16:18

The Apostle Paul reminds us:

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly."

Colossians 3:16

And Hebrews encourages us:

"Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together ... but encouraging one another."

Hebrews 10:24-25

Please pray with us:

That God would strengthen those who worship regularly.

That those who have been absent would return to receive God's gifts.

That parents would make Sunday School a priority for their children.

That visitors would receive a warm welcome and hear the Gospel.

That our congregation would faithfully proclaim Christ in our community.

That the Holy Spirit would work through God's Word and Sacraments to bring many into His kingdom.

As we are called to do, 

Board of Elders

Youth group is Sunday night at 6pm in the gym. Please join us for a devotion and fun games! Jen Doyle will be leading this week

Also, on Sunday, October 18th from 12:30-2pm, St. Paul's is taking a trip to Rinkel Pumpkin Patch in Glen Carbon! Youth and families are welcome to come and attend the event. I will cover admission fees for the youth and give a short devotion as well. If you are planning to pick pumpkins this year, plan accordingly!! This would be a great opportunity. I ask that for sake of convenience that you open the Google Form or scan the QR code attached to this email and sign up by Thursday, Oct. 15th. Activities at the pumpkin patch are fun for the whole family, and include:

Corn Maze

Corn Pit

Straw Maze

U-Pick Patch (we will price them at checkout)

Petting Zoo

Basketball Games

Duck Races

Slide Tower

Tractor Slide

Picture Boards

Barrel Train ($2 per ride and weather permitting)

AND MORE!!

⭐️ St. Paul's ECC is hiring for a 3 year old teaching position. ⭐️

You must have 60 credit hours in college with 6 being in early childhood or related fields. 🎓

If you know anyone, please have them reach out!

Registration for the ECC Summer Camp & 2026-27 School Year is open for the public! Summer Camp is $260/weekly for two-year-olds and $255/weekly for potty trained kiddos aged 3 and up.

Registration fees are:

*$75 for Summer Camp
*$125 for School Year
*$150 for BOTH (discounted if you do them together)

If you have any questions, please email us or call the front office at 618-667-6681

Sunday, April 11, 2027!

Making a Difference Granite City outreach. Donations needed right now are hygiene items, blankets, and lightweight jackets and hoodies. Anyone who would like to help at the outreach is welcome on the second Saturday of each month. Please contact Kay if you would like to carpool from church.  We leave at 11 am and return around 3 pm. This event is held outdoors, so dress appropriately.

Our shut-ins would love if you would send them a card

Virginia Niebruegge-39 Dorothy Dr, Troy, IL 62294                 

Kathy Brumm-Highland Health Care Center, 1450 26th St,  Highland, IL 62249                                                                          

Ada Yardley-105 James St, Troy, IL 62294           

Gloria Kueker-116 Weston St, Troy, IL 62294                          

Bernadel Brodie- Liberty Village, 306B, 6955 IL-162, Maryville, IL  62062                                    

Ed Johnson-Hitz Memorial Home, 201 Bell St, Alhambra, IL 62001                      

Ruth Schmitt- 2070 Kinridge Place Ct. Marietta, GA  30062

Lois Rodenbaugh- 714 Troy Road, Collinsville IL 62234

Shirley Schnoeker - 300 South Station Road Apt #8303, Glen Carbon IL 62034

Upcoming Activities:

October 18 Volunteer Appreciation Day to honor and celebrate all those who give their time in service to St. Paul’s. The event will be held in the basement prior to the voters meeting

October 31 Light the Night.  The Board of Evangelism is excited to announce our annual Light the Night event on October 31 from 6:00 to 7:30. This is a fun evening to host a table and share some treats with families in our community.  We will have door prizes, Arch books, hot chocolate and photo opportunity, along with sharing information about St. Paul's church and ECC.  Please use the below link to sign up to host a table or contact Ashleigh.  Those hosting a table are encouraged to decorate the provided table, hand out whatever type of treats you decide to bring and dress up if you'd like.  Set up will begin at 4:00, with doors opening at 6:00 p.m.  This is a wonderful opportunity to reach families in our community so we greatly appreciate your participation!  Thank you!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/904044DA8A62CA0FF2-58674941-light

December 6 Christmas caroling at 1:30. Please save the date for visiting our shut-ins and seniors with some Christmas cheer.  Sign-up will begin soon! 

Service opportunities:

We plan to participate with the Ministries Unlimited Thanksgiving meals for needy families event this year and are signed up to help 20 families.  Watch for more information to come and a poster in the narthex with needed items.

Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes will again be available to fill this year.

Date is to be determined to sort and stock food at Ministries Unlimited following Scouting for Food collection in November.  Watch for more information.

Need a good way to start your day? Consider listening to the daily devotion from Pastor Will Weedon on the Lutheran Public Radio app, titled "The Word of the Lord Endures Forever". Currently, Pastor Weedon is working through some of the Psalms.  The podcasts are approximately 15 minutes long and perfect to listen to on your drive to work or at any time during your day.

Confirmation classes have begun. If you know of any families with a 7th- or 8th-grader who would like to attend confirmation classes, please feel free to forward this email to them.

CHOIRCHIMES will start rehearsals on Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 5:15 PM in the church balcony. No previous experience or note reading skills are required! All ages Jr High through adults are encouraged to come. Please text Karen Shimkus at 540-0810 for more information!

Madison County Transit Grant – Ministries Unlimited has received a grant from the Madison County Micro Transit Department for travel between the Troy area and the Maryville area.  This grant is not based on financial need, but instead on a transportation need.  One token will provide transportation to a designated spot and one token would be needed to return home.  MCT Micro will pick you up at your door depending on accessibility and drop you off at your desired location.  The driver will pick up and drop off other riders so scheduled stops ensure rider’s trips are carried out on time.  All buses are wheelchair accessible.   If interested, contact Ashleigh at the church office to receive the tokens for no charge.  To book a ride, one can call 618-797-4636.

The Elders Are Praying... Will You Join Us?

One of the responsibilities entrusted to the Board of Elders is prayer for the congregation. We pray for those who are sick or grieving, for our children, youth, pastor, teachers, missionaries, and all who gather at St. Paul's.

We also pray for those who have been absent and for those whom God is calling to hear His Word.

In the coming months, we invite the congregation to join us in praying especially for increased worship and Sunday School attendance.  Every person in worship is hearing God's forgiveness in Christ. Every child in Sunday School is another opportunity for God's Word to take root. We pray because eternal things are at stake.

Our Lord Jesus invites us to pray with confidence:

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you."

Matthew 7:7

He also promises concerning His Church:

"I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."

Matthew 16:18

The Apostle Paul reminds us:

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly."

Colossians 3:16

And Hebrews encourages us:

"Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together ... but encouraging one another."

Hebrews 10:24-25

Please pray with us:

That God would strengthen those who worship regularly.

That those who have been absent would return to receive God's gifts.

That parents would make Sunday School a priority for their children.

That visitors would receive a warm welcome and hear the Gospel.

That our congregation would faithfully proclaim Christ in our community.

That the Holy Spirit would work through God's Word and Sacraments to bring many into His kingdom.

As we are called to do, 

Board of Elders

Youth Group will resume this Sunday night, October 4th at 6pm and meet in the gym. We will be playing fun games and learning about how to "count it all joy" when we meet trials in life. I'm excited to see your youth there! In addition, ice cream sundaes will be provided by Mrs. Shirley Schmit, a member of St. Paul's. Please be sure to thank her if you see her!

Also, on Sunday, October 18th from 12:30-2pm, St. Paul's is taking a trip to Rinkel Pumpkin Patch in Glen Carbon! Youth and families are welcome to come and attend the event. I will cover admission fees for the youth and give a short devotion as well. If you are planning to pick pumpkins this year, plan accordingly!! This would be a great opportunity. I ask that for sake of convenience that you open the Google Form or scan the QR code attached to this email and sign up by Thursday, Oct. 15th. Activities at the pumpkin patch are fun for the whole family, and include:

Corn Maze

Corn Pit

Straw Maze

U-Pick Patch (we will price them at checkout)

Petting Zoo

Basketball Games

Duck Races

Slide Tower

Tractor Slide

Picture Boards

Barrel Train ($2 per ride and weather permitting)

AND MORE!!

⭐️ St. Paul's ECC is hiring for a 3 year old teaching position. ⭐️

You must have 60 credit hours in college with 6 being in early childhood or related fields. 🎓

If you know anyone, please have them reach out!

Registration for the ECC Summer Camp & 2026-27 School Year is open for the public! Summer Camp is $260/weekly for two-year-olds and $255/weekly for potty trained kiddos aged 3 and up.

Registration fees are:

*$75 for Summer Camp
*$125 for School Year
*$150 for BOTH (discounted if you do them together)

If you have any questions, please email us or call the front office at 618-667-6681

Sunday, April 11, 2027!

Making a Difference Granite City outreach. Donations needed right now are hygiene items, blankets, and lightweight jackets and hoodies. Anyone who would like to help at the outreach is welcome on the second Saturday of each month. Please contact Kay if you would like to carpool from church.  We leave at 11 am and return around 3 pm. This event is held outdoors, so dress appropriately.

Our shut-ins would love if you would send them a card

Virginia Niebruegge-39 Dorothy Dr, Troy, IL 62294                 

Kathy Brumm-Highland Health Care Center, 1450 26th St,  Highland, IL 62249                                                                          

Ada Yardley-105 James St, Troy, IL 62294           

Gloria Kueker-116 Weston St, Troy, IL 62294                          

Bernadel Brodie- Liberty Village, 306B, 6955 IL-162, Maryville, IL  62062                                    

Ed Johnson-Hitz Memorial Home, 201 Bell St, Alhambra, IL 62001                      

Ruth Schmitt- 2070 Kinridge Place Ct. Marietta, GA  30062

Lois Rodenbaugh- 714 Troy Road, Collinsville IL 62234

Shirley Schnoeker - 300 South Station Road Apt #8303, Glen Carbon IL 62034

Need a good way to start your day? Consider listening to the daily devotion from Pastor Will Weedon on the Lutheran Public Radio app, titled "The Word of the Lord Endures Forever". Currently, Pastor Weedon is working through some of the Psalms.  The podcasts are approximately 15 minutes long and perfect to listen to on your drive to work or at any time during your day.

Confirmation classes have begun. If you know of any families with a 7th- or 8th-grader who would like to attend confirmation classes, please feel free to forward this email to them.

ADULT CHOIR (high-school age on up) will meet on Tuesdays at 6:30 PM. We will also have a CHOIRCHIME GROUP starting soon after in September. 

Choirchimes are instruments that are similar to handbells.  Our Choirchimes will be set up in the Narthex after church on Saturday and Sunday for anyone to try.  Karen Shimkus and the people who have already learned to play them will give a brief introduction and show you how fun and easy they are to ring.  Stop on by!

Madison County Transit Grant – Ministries Unlimited has received a grant from the Madison County Micro Transit Department for travel between the Troy area and the Maryville area.  This grant is not based on financial need, but instead on a transportation need.  One token will provide transportation to a designated spot and one token would be needed to return home.  MCT Micro will pick you up at your door depending on accessibility and drop you off at your desired location.  The driver will pick up and drop off other riders so scheduled stops ensure rider’s trips are carried out on time.  All buses are wheelchair accessible.   If interested, contact Ashleigh at the church office to receive the tokens for no charge.  To book a ride, one can call 618-797-4636.

The Elders Are Praying... Will You Join Us?

One of the responsibilities entrusted to the Board of Elders is prayer for the congregation. We pray for those who are sick or grieving, for our children, youth, pastor, teachers, missionaries, and all who gather at St. Paul's.

We also pray for those who have been absent and for those whom God is calling to hear His Word.

In the coming months, we invite the congregation to join us in praying especially for increased worship and Sunday School attendance.  Every person in worship is hearing God's forgiveness in Christ. Every child in Sunday School is another opportunity for God's Word to take root. We pray because eternal things are at stake.

Our Lord Jesus invites us to pray with confidence:

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you."

Matthew 7:7

He also promises concerning His Church:

"I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."

Matthew 16:18

The Apostle Paul reminds us:

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly."

Colossians 3:16

And Hebrews encourages us:

"Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together ... but encouraging one another."

Hebrews 10:24-25

Please pray with us:

That God would strengthen those who worship regularly.

That those who have been absent would return to receive God's gifts.

That parents would make Sunday School a priority for their children.

That visitors would receive a warm welcome and hear the Gospel.

That our congregation would faithfully proclaim Christ in our community.

That the Holy Spirit would work through God's Word and Sacraments to bring many into His kingdom.

As we are called to do, 

Board of Elders

Apple Farm This Sunday!!

There is no youth group Sunday evening, this Sunday from 12:30-2pm, we will go to Liberty Apple Farm for a St. Paul's day! Join us for apple picking, free apple donuts and slushies, and fellowship with our church and ECC families!

Ages 6-12th grade! We will meet on Sundays from 6-7pm, weekly. A schedule is attached below. Each Sunday night for an hour, your children will enjoy a variety of fun activities and games, devotions that will encourage and form them, and have fun and make friends. We'll provide snacks and food on the first night, but this form will ask whether you would like to contribute funds or food for each night. Anything is truly appreciated.

Registration for the ECC Summer Camp & 2026-27 School Year is open for the public! Summer Camp is $260/weekly for two-year-olds and $255/weekly for potty trained kiddos aged 3 and up.

Registration fees are:

*$75 for Summer Camp
*$125 for School Year
*$150 for BOTH (discounted if you do them together)

If you have any questions, please email us or call the front office at 618-667-6681

Sunday, April 11, 2027!

Making a Difference Granite City outreach. Donations needed right now are hygiene items, blankets, and lightweight jackets and hoodies. Anyone who would like to help at the outreach is welcome on the second Saturday of each month. Please contact Kay if you would like to carpool from church.  We leave at 11 am and return around 3 pm. This event is held outdoors, so dress appropriately.

Our shut-ins would love if you would send them a card

Virginia Niebruegge-39 Dorothy Dr, Troy, IL 62294                 

Kathy Brumm-Highland Health Care Center, 1450 26th St,  Highland, IL 62249                                                                          

Ada Yardley-105 James St, Troy, IL 62294           

Gloria Kueker-116 Weston St, Troy, IL 62294                          

Bernadel Brodie- Liberty Village, 306B, 6955 IL-162, Maryville, IL  62062                                    

Ed Johnson-Hitz Memorial Home, 201 Bell St, Alhambra, IL 62001                      

Ruth Schmitt- 2070 Kinridge Place Ct. Marietta, GA  30062

Lois Rodenbaugh- 714 Troy Road, Collinsville IL 62234

Shirley Schnoeker - 300 South Station Road Apt #8303, Glen Carbon IL 62034

SUMMER LUNCH PROGRAM

     The Summer Lunch Program ran from May 22nd through August 12^th with 10 community churches involved:  Bethel Baptist, Friedens UCC, St. Jerome Catholic, Pathway Church, Troy Methodist Church, The Pentecostals of Troy, St. Paul’s Lutheran, St. Jacob UCC, Providence Presbyterian Church, and the Marine United Church of Christ.

     The lunches were served Monday through Friday from 11:30-12:30 at four locations:  Meadow Drive Park, Tri-Township Library Pavilion, the Pavilion at the St. Jacob Elementary School, and at the Marine United Church of Christ. This year a total of 6831 lunches were given out along with 180 weekend bags of food. 

      St. Paul’s handed out lunches on Fridays at the Library Pavilion.  A total of 398 lunches were prepared and handed out

   Along with the lunches, 43 weekend bags of food were also distributed to families.

Special thanks go to:

 Members of St. Paul’s who donated numerous food items!   This really was a “blessing” in the lunch preparation.

Those who decorated lunch bags!  They were so colorful, fun to read, and always brought smiles to those receiving them.

The faithful volunteers who packed and handed out the lunches regardless of the weather: Beth Meschke, Sharon Wolf, Cheryl Chrusciel, Darrell Wittenberg, Lynn Fitzgerald, Claudia Loethen, Kay Butts, Nancy Klaustermeier, and Lauren Mclaughlin and family. 

Everyone working together made the 2026 Lunch Program a very successful community project that provided “blessings” to many!

Hebrews 13:16 “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”

Need a good way to start your day? Consider listening to the daily devotion from Pastor Will Weedon on the Lutheran Public Radio app, titled "The Word of the Lord Endures Forever". Currently, Pastor Weedon is working through some of the Psalms.  The podcasts are approximately 15 minutes long and perfect to listen to on your drive to work or at any time during your day.

Confirmation classes have begun. If you know of any families with a 7th- or 8th-grader who would like to attend confirmation classes, please feel free to forward this email to them.

ADULT CHOIR (high-school age on up) will meet on Tuesdays at 6:30 PM. We will also have a CHOIRCHIME GROUP starting soon after in September. Watch the bulletin for more information about this casual and fun group!

Madison County Transit Grant – Ministries Unlimited has received a grant from the Madison County Micro Transit Department for travel between the Troy area and the Maryville area.  This grant is not based on financial need, but instead on a transportation need.  One token will provide transportation to a designated spot and one token would be needed to return home.  MCT Micro will pick you up at your door depending on accessibility and drop you off at your desired location.  The driver will pick up and drop off other riders so scheduled stops ensure rider’s trips are carried out on time.  All buses are wheelchair accessible.   If interested, contact Ashleigh at the church office to receive the tokens for no charge.  To book a ride, one can call 618-797-4636.

The Elders Are Praying... Will You Join Us?

One of the responsibilities entrusted to the Board of Elders is prayer for the congregation. We pray for those who are sick or grieving, for our children, youth, pastor, teachers, missionaries, and all who gather at St. Paul's.

We also pray for those who have been absent and for those whom God is calling to hear His Word.

In the coming months, we invite the congregation to join us in praying especially for increased worship and Sunday School attendance.  Every person in worship is hearing God's forgiveness in Christ. Every child in Sunday School is another opportunity for God's Word to take root. We pray because eternal things are at stake.

Our Lord Jesus invites us to pray with confidence:

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you."

Matthew 7:7

He also promises concerning His Church:

"I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."

Matthew 16:18

The Apostle Paul reminds us:

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly."

Colossians 3:16

And Hebrews encourages us:

"Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together ... but encouraging one another."

Hebrews 10:24-25

Please pray with us:

That God would strengthen those who worship regularly.

That those who have been absent would return to receive God's gifts.

That parents would make Sunday School a priority for their children.

That visitors would receive a warm welcome and hear the Gospel.

That our congregation would faithfully proclaim Christ in our community.

That the Holy Spirit would work through God's Word and Sacraments to bring many into His kingdom.

As we are called to do, 

Board of Elders

Dairy Queen will be provided at this Sundays Youth Group

We are also starting back up our youth group! Ages 6-12th grade! We will be meeting on Sundays from 6-7pm, and will meet weekly. A schedule is attached below. Each Sunday night for an hour, your children will enjoy a variety of fun activities and games, devotions that will encourage and form them, and have fun and make friends. Snacks and food will be provided for the first night, but this form will ask if you would like to contribute funds or food for each night! Anything is truly appreciated.

Registration for the ECC Summer Camp & 2026-27 School Year is open for the public! Summer Camp is $260/weekly for two-year-olds and $255/weekly for potty trained kiddos aged 3 and up.

Registration fees are:

*$75 for Summer Camp
*$125 for School Year
*$150 for BOTH (discounted if you do them together)

If you have any questions, please email us or call the front office at 618-667-6681

Sunday, April 11, 2027!

Making a Difference Granite City outreach. Donations needed right now are hygiene items, blankets, and lightweight jackets and hoodies. Anyone who would like to help at the outreach is welcome on the second Saturday of each month. Please contact Kay if you would like to carpool from church.  We leave at 11 am and return around 3 pm. This event is held outdoors, so dress appropriately.

Our shut-ins would love if you would send them a card

Virginia Niebruegge-39 Dorothy Dr, Troy, IL 62294                 

Kathy Brumm-Highland Health Care Center, 1450 26th St,  Highland, IL 62249                                                                          

Ada Yardley-105 James St, Troy, IL 62294           

Gloria Kueker-116 Weston St, Troy, IL 62294                          

Bernadel Brodie- Liberty Village, 306B, 6955 IL-162, Maryville, IL  62062                                    

Ed Johnson-Hitz Memorial Home, 201 Bell St, Alhambra, IL 62001                      

Ruth Schmitt- 2070 Kinridge Place Ct. Marietta, GA  30062

Lois Rodenbaugh- 714 Troy Road, Collinsville IL 62234

Shirley Schnoeker - 300 South Station Road Apt #8303, Glen Carbon IL 62034

SUMMER LUNCH PROGRAM

     The Summer Lunch Program ran from May 22nd through August 12^th with 10 community churches involved:  Bethel Baptist, Friedens UCC, St. Jerome Catholic, Pathway Church, Troy Methodist Church, The Pentecostals of Troy, St. Paul’s Lutheran, St. Jacob UCC, Providence Presbyterian Church, and the Marine United Church of Christ.

     The lunches were served Monday through Friday from 11:30-12:30 at four locations:  Meadow Drive Park, Tri-Township Library Pavilion, the Pavilion at the St. Jacob Elementary School, and at the Marine United Church of Christ. This year a total of 6831 lunches were given out along with 180 weekend bags of food. 

      St. Paul’s handed out lunches on Fridays at the Library Pavilion.  A total of 398 lunches were prepared and handed out

   Along with the lunches, 43 weekend bags of food were also distributed to families.

Special thanks go to:

 Members of St. Paul’s who donated numerous food items!   This really was a “blessing” in the lunch preparation.

Those who decorated lunch bags!  They were so colorful, fun to read, and always brought smiles to those receiving them.

The faithful volunteers who packed and handed out the lunches regardless of the weather: Beth Meschke, Sharon Wolf, Cheryl Chrusciel, Darrell Wittenberg, Lynn Fitzgerald, Claudia Loethen, Kay Butts, Nancy Klaustermeier, and Lauren Mclaughlin and family. 

Everyone working together made the 2026 Lunch Program a very successful community project that provided “blessings” to many!

Hebrews 13:16 “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”

Need a good way to start your day? Consider listening to the daily devotion from Pastor Will Weedon on the Lutheran Public Radio app, titled "The Word of the Lord Endures Forever". Currently, Pastor Weedon is working through some of the Psalms.  The podcasts are approximately 15 minutes long and perfect to listen to on your drive to work or at any time during your day.

Confirmation classes will begin Wednesday, September 9th. If you know of any families with a 7th- or 8th-grader who would like to attend confirmation classes, please feel free to forward this email to them.

Karen Kilzer and Jen Doyle will be attending confirmation class to give a short youth group/youth gathering presentation afterwards.  They will be bringing in tacos from Taco Bell for free for your family!

Madison County Transit Grant – Ministries Unlimited has received a grant from the Madison County Micro Transit Department for travel between the Troy area and the Maryville area.  This grant is not based on financial need, but instead on a transportation need.  One token will provide transportation to a designated spot and one token would be needed to return home.  MCT Micro will pick you up at your door depending on accessibility and drop you off at your desired location.  The driver will pick up and drop off other riders so scheduled stops ensure rider’s trips are carried out on time.  All buses are wheelchair accessible.   If interested, contact Ashleigh at the church office to receive the tokens for no charge.  To book a ride, one can call 618-797-4636.

The Elders Are Praying... Will You Join Us?

One of the responsibilities entrusted to the Board of Elders is prayer for the congregation. We pray for those who are sick or grieving, for our children, youth, pastor, teachers, missionaries, and all who gather at St. Paul's.

We also pray for those who have been absent and for those whom God is calling to hear His Word.

In the coming months, we invite the congregation to join us in praying especially for increased worship and Sunday School attendance.  Every person in worship is hearing God's forgiveness in Christ. Every child in Sunday School is another opportunity for God's Word to take root. We pray because eternal things are at stake.

Our Lord Jesus invites us to pray with confidence:

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you."

Matthew 7:7

He also promises concerning His Church:

"I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."

Matthew 16:18

The Apostle Paul reminds us:

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly."

Colossians 3:16

And Hebrews encourages us:

"Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together ... but encouraging one another."

Hebrews 10:24-25

Please pray with us:

That God would strengthen those who worship regularly.

That those who have been absent would return to receive God's gifts.

That parents would make Sunday School a priority for their children.

That visitors would receive a warm welcome and hear the Gospel.

That our congregation would faithfully proclaim Christ in our community.

That the Holy Spirit would work through God's Word and Sacraments to bring many into His kingdom.

As we are called to do, 

Board of Elders

No Youth Group Sunday 9/6

We are also starting back up our youth group! Ages 6-12th grade! We will be meeting on Sundays from 6-7pm, and will meet weekly. A schedule is attached below. Each Sunday night for an hour, your children will enjoy a variety of fun activities and games, devotions that will encourage and form them, and have fun and make friends. Snacks and food will be provided for the first night, but this form will ask if you would like to contribute funds or food for each night! Anything is truly appreciated.

Registration for the ECC Summer Camp & 2026-27 School Year is open for the public! Summer Camp is $260/weekly for two-year-olds and $255/weekly for potty trained kiddos aged 3 and up.

Registration fees are:

*$75 for Summer Camp
*$125 for School Year
*$150 for BOTH (discounted if you do them together)

If you have any questions, please email us or call the front office at 618-667-6681

Sunday, April 11, 2027!

Making a Difference Granite City outreach. Donations needed right now are hygiene items, blankets, and lightweight jackets and hoodies. Anyone who would like to help at the outreach is welcome on the second Saturday of each month. Please contact Kay if you would like to carpool from church.  We leave at 11 am and return around 3 pm. This event is held outdoors, so dress appropriately.