Witnessing of Your Faith In the Sunday morning Adult Bible Class on January 15, we spent some time sharing a witness about our faith with one another. Each and every story shared was unique because it was about God’s hand at work in each person’s life. But that is what a witness is. A witness simply tells what he or she has seen and/or heard. At the same time, while each story was unique in its own way, each also started with God at work in one’s life. God is the Savior. God is the giver of faith. God is the Giver of life. God at work in our lives is central in one’s witness of faith. We are all conceived and born in sin. Jesus died to take away our sin and rose again to win for us the sure and certain hope of the resurrection. This truth of God’s activity is a core part of our witness. One thing the Lord told us before his ascension was, “You will be my witnesses.” This is a given in the Christian life. I heard from some in the Bible class that it is not always easy to articulate the faith that lives within. While it might not be easy, it is the way we share about Jesus in our day-to-day lives. Since the witness of our faith in God is a part of our lives, I thought I would share some tips about witnessing that you might find helpful. These were shared in the Bible Class. But I felt like broader distribution would be a good thing. After all, if we do not talk about Jesus, who will? So, here are five tips to sharing your witness (testimony).

Tip #1 – Keep your testimony warm and personal. Don’t get preachy and wordy. Make it a point to say “I” and “me” rather than “you.” This is your story and yours alone. Tip #2 – Practice sharing your testimony with a spouse, child, parent, Christian friend, or small group until it becomes second nature. Then ask God for opportunities to share your testimony with non-Christian friends and acquaintances.

continued on next page

February 2017 Edition

TOPIC Page

Pastor Krueger Article 1-2

LWML Mite Box Update 2

Pastor Albers Article 2016 Quilt Distribution Totals

3

Prayer Guide 4

Classes for All Ages

5

Senior Adults Worship Birthdays for the Month

6

Texas CEF Rates Offering/Attendance Official Acts

7

Healthier You 8

Valentine Banquet 9

Music Notes 10

Children & Youth Activities 11

Calendar/Servants Insert

Lenten Worship Schedule

Back Cover

IINSIDENSIDE TTHISHIS IISSUESSUE

Sunday Worship 8am & 10:30am

Bible Class/Sunday School 9:15am

From Our Senior PastorFrom Our Senior Pastor Rev. Larry Krueger pastorkrueger@splcwaco.com

PAGE 2 MESSENGER FEBRUARY 2017

Tip #3 – Don’t bore people with a lot of unnecessary details. A succinct summary—three to four

minutes at absolute most—is sufficient. You want, when you’re done, people asking for more details

rather than thinking, “I thought he or she would never shut up!”

Tip #4 – Avoid Christian clichés. Many Biblical words and phrases that are meaningful to believers

(saved, born again, washed in the blood, etc.) are meaningless to unbelievers. Translate Christian

jargon into normal English.

Tip #5 – No two testimonies are alike because no two lives are. Don’t try to copy someone else’s

story. God can and will use your own unique experience to speak to others.

(Tips excerpted from “Rose Guide to Discipleship,” p. 271)

Sharing our witness about Jesus in our lives is a job Jesus has given us to do. It is my prayer that we

share our testimony about Jesus at every opportunity the Lord puts in front of us. God bless us in our

witness of Him…to God alone be the glory!

Love God and love your neighbor,

Pastor Krueger

Witnessing of Your Faith continued:

Mite Box Sunday Update

On Sunday, January 1, the St. Paul LWML held the first of many Mite Box Sundays. With your help they collected $70. Considering this was a holiday weekend with only one worship service, that is pretty amazing! Thank you to everyone that brought their mite box donations that Sunday. The next mite box collection Sunday will be April 5. Please bring the contents of your mite box and place it in the display located in Mission Central in the church foyer. We suggest that you place your donations in a Ziploc bag. This way you can keep your mite box. As always, all monies collected will be sent to LWML Texas District for Mission Grants. Check out our Misson Grants at LWMLTXDist.org. Thank you for your participation! If you have any questions, please contact the church office or one of our LWML members. Watch upcoming bulletins & newsletters for details about our Lutheran World Relief collection scheduled for March 12!

I am sure that all of us want to grow as Christians… to live lives that bring honor and glory to our Lord and happiness to ourselves. In order for God-pleasing growth to take place, we must first learn to get rid of sinful habits that are hindering our growth, and that is very difficult. Some of these ways of life have been deeply ingrained… our bodies and minds crave the release of these sinful pleasures. And, it’s not that we do not want to break them, it’s just that, many times, they are too strong for us. I think there are two steps that can be of great help in our spiritual growth if we just follow them. First, in the Daniel 1:8 we read, “Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself.” In order to attain any type of growth, you must have a goal. People who aim for nothing, usually hit it. And so, the first step of Christian growth is to set some definite goals. Do not just say you want to be a better Christian, but rather set goals you can measure and attain. Then, after a period of time, you can judge how well you are growing. It all starts in making up your mind and focusing on eliminating certain sins. The second step in overcoming sinful habits is recorded in Romans 6:13 where St. Paul writes, “… do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin.” In other words, stay out of those places and away from those people that cause you to sin. As a mother warns her children after they are bathed and dressed to stay

away from the dirt, so we must be warned to stay away from those things that can bring sin into our lives. It might mean being careful with whom we have lunch, as we often end up criticizing and fault-finding others… it might mean being careful with whom you golf or fish because the language that is used can cause you to stumble and fall and say things you shouldn’t… and it could mean being careful with who you go out with for the places you visit are not conducive to Christian growth… it might mean being more selective in the television programs the family watches as many stories and scenes are less than Christian. There is a story told of a farmer who walked into the office of an old country doctor holding his arm in great pain. ‘Doc,’ he cried, ‘ I broke my arm in two places. What should I do?’ The old doctor thought for a moment and then said, ‘Well, there is only one thing for you to do. Stay outa those places.’ That may not have been the best advice for the farmer with the broken arm, but it sure is good advice for the child of God who wants to overcome sin and grow in faith. To become more Christ-like, we must set our minds on growth.. Know the people and the things that cause sin… and then ‘stay outa those places’ and stay away from those people. With God guiding us and the Holy Spirit empowering us, we can grow in our Christian life.

PAGE 3 MESSENGER FEBRUARY 2017

A Message From Our Pastor EmeritusA Message From Our Pastor Emeritus

Rev. Walter F. Albers Email: pastoralbers@splcwaco.com

Quilts: 82 Pillows: 209 Bedrunners 149 Scarves: 20

Blankets: 50 Receiving Blankets: 10 Burp Cloths: 20 Pillowcases: 20

2016 Total Distribution from the Old Sew ‘n’ Sows Quilting Group:

If you would like to join us, we meet every Monday from 10am-4pm in the Parish Hall. No sewing skills required! Bring a sack lunch and come join the fun and fellowship! Please contact Pam Schulze with questions.

Lord, Hear Our Prayers:

We pray for continued healing for all those who have suffered physical problems in the last month, including: (a complete list is available through the church office). We pray the Lord lay His healing hand upon them.

We pray for all who struggle with ongoing health concerns, including: (a complete list is available through the church office). We pray the Lord keep His healing hand upon them.

We pray for those who have lost loved ones, including: (a complete list is available through the church office). We pray the Lord give them comfort in their time of grief.

We pray for those serving in our Armed Forces (a complete list is available through the church office). We pray the Lord keep them safe in their stead as they defend our freedom and safety.

We pray for those who are bound to their homes or in nursing homes (a complete list is available through the church office). We pray the Lord keep His healing hand upon them.

We pray for those serving in the mission field … may God continue to bless and keep them safe as they minister to the world as an extended outreach of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Waco, Texas.

Please contact the church office if you, someone in your family, or a family friend is in need of prayer. If you have a friend or relative listed as those serving in the Armed Forces, please keep the church office advised of their status. If you have any questions, please contact the church office.

“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles.” Psalm34:17

PAGE 4 MESSENGER FEBRUARY 2017

PAGE 5 MESSENGER FEBRUARY 2017

Join us for Sunday morning Bible Classes at 9:15am each week: Join us for Sunday morning Bible Classes at 9:15am each week: Join us for Sunday morning Bible Classes at 9:15am each week:

Adult Bible Class, in the Family Center

This group is studying the book of Romans.

Men’s Bible Class, in the Men’s Bible Study Classroom (next to the Chapel)

This group is studying various topics, applicable to everyday life.

Ladies Bible Class, in the Conference Room

This group is going through a study titled, Raw Faith, by Kasey Van Norman, who chronicles

her courageous battle with cancer. What happens when God picks a fight? Drawing on a wide

variety of Bible stories and characters, Kasey distills truths that have existed since time began:

while change and uncertainty are inevitable, God is always unchanging; he is always faithful;

and he is always fighting for us, even when our circumstances tempt us to think otherwise.

Nursery thru Sixth Grade, in specified areas

Each grade level (Nursery through 6th) has a unique theme every quarter that teaches a mix

of classic and uncommon Bible stories that kids haven't heard before–which impacts their faith

and changes their lives.

Grades 7-8, in specified areas

This group is utilizing an exciting LIVE Bible study with technology based aids.

High School Youth, in the Youth Room

This group is utilizing an exciting LIVE bible study with technology based aids, led by Jerry Tucker.

Other Bible Study Opportunities: Other Bible Study Opportunities: Other Bible Study Opportunities:

Men’s Tuesday Morning Bible Class, in the Parish Hall This group works through selected studies, meeting every Tuesday morning at 6:30am

followed by a shared breakfast and fellowship.

College Student Evening Bible Study/Fellowship

This group will resume on January 10. They meet Tuesday evenings at 7:00pm, on the Baylor

campus at Teal Hall, Room 102 (Seminar Room). This group also engages in community

service projects throughout the year.

Ladies Wednesday Morning Bible Class, in the Conference Room

This group is studying the epistle of 1st Peter. They meet on the first and third Wednesday of

each month at 9:30am.

Youth Confirmation/Catechesis Training

These classes are held on Wednesday evenings:

Confirmation Classes for 7/8 Grade, 6:30-7:45pm

Midweek School for 5/6 Grade, 6:30-7:30pm

There’s a place for EVERYONE to be immersed in There’s a place for EVERYONE to be immersed in There’s a place for EVERYONE to be immersed in

God’s Word and fellowship with other Christians! God’s Word and fellowship with other Christians! God’s Word and fellowship with other Christians!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! HAPPY BIRTHDAY! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

ST. PAUL SENIOR ADULTS will come together for a

communion worship service on Wednesday, February 8, at

11:00am, followed by a luncheon. All are welcome to join us for this

time of fellowship!

ST. PAUL SENIOR ADULTS FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS

If your name has not been included in this list and you

would like it be, please call the church office.

Don’t see your special day listed? We may not have that information on file. Please call the church office today so we can include you in our monthly birthday list!!

PAGE 6 MESSENGER FEBRUARY 2017

Attendance and Offering for January 2017

January 1 Worship

Attendance 9am: 142

January 8 Worship

Attendance 8am: 116 Attendance 10:30am: 189

Sunday School Attendance: 120

January 15 Worship

Attendance 8am: 133 Attendance 10:30am:212

Sunday School Attendance: 125

January 22 Worship

Attendance 8am: 159 Attendance 10:30am: 189

Sunday School Attendance: 33

January 29 unavailable at time of printing

PAGE 7 MESSENGER FEBRUARY 2017

Texas District Church Extension Fund: How can you save for tomorrow and help save souls for God with the same dollar? Invest that dollar with the Texas District Church Extension Fund (CEF). Every dollar you invest with CEF earns a competitive rate of return and provides low-cost construction loans to Texas congregations for buildings that help enlarge God’s kingdom of believers. Your investment is a wise personal savings plan that allows CEF to make loans that serve others and show God’s love actively. January Rates (Fixed) (Floating) One Year CD 1.26%APY .75%APY Three Year CD 1.76%APY 1.26%APY Five Year CD 2.02%APY 1.51%APY Flex Savings .50%APY Cong. Savings 1.00%APY

For more information call Texas CEF at 1.800.951.3478, online at www.TexasCEF.org or you can contact Gene Bode at 254.896.5821.

Official Acts for December 2016/January 2017

PAGE 8 MESSENGER FEBRUARY 2017

February is Heart Health month. Cardiologists recommend several tips to keep the heart in tip-top working condition and to prevent arteries from getting clogged up or arrhythmias to occur. The tips are common sense for the most part. Tips: proper sleep, monitoring blood pressure, checking for diabetes, managing a proper diet, exercise, no smoking or second-hand smoke, manage stress, good dental hygiene, and positive rewards. To get a proper night’s sleep, you must have a good pillow that fits your sleeping habits and a proper mattress. You need about 7 hours of good sleep each night. Monitoring your blood pressure is easy to do. Almost every drug store and pharmacy has a blood pressure monitoring machine. The pharmacist can advise you if your pressure is running a bit high. See your physician at least annually. Avoid red meats, full-dairy products. Cut out trans-fats such as processed foods (deep-fried fast foods, bakery, packaged snack food, margarines, crackers, chips, and cookies). Get serum cholesterol checked as recommended. Monitor serum glucose for diabetes, and switch white carbs for whole grains (brown rice). Eat more fruits and vegetables. Stay away from sugary drinks. Don’t make your food your comfort or stress relief or celebration. Get up and move! Professionals recommend 30 minutes per day four days a week. Don’t smoke or be around second-hand smoke, or quit, even the E-cigs. Use healthy ways to de-stress, yoga, meditation, or reading. Spend time with friends and family that are close to you. Talk, laugh, confide, and enjoy each other’s company. Take care of your teeth, and get regular dental check-ups. Use healthy rewards when celebrating positive steps towards good heart health. (Watch for coming information on our Church Health Minstry.) But how do you take care of your heart emotionally or mentally or spiritually? If the heart can get clogged physically, it can also get clogged spiritually which leads to a clogged heart emotionally and mentally. Having Jesus Christ in your life is the way to unclog your heart. He guides our paths, showing us the way to peace and love. He can de-stress us with prayer and praise to Him. He can give us courage and strength to curb our appetite from the wrong types of things that we put in our bodies. Our bodies are Christ’s temple; therefore, we should care for them sincerely and earnestly. In Isaiah 38:16 it reads, “O Lord, by these things men live, and in all these is the life of my spirit. Oh, restore me to health and make me live.” Matthew 7:17-18 reads, “So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but a diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit.” Proverbs 16:24 reads, “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” Only Christ can give us good health spiritually. Psalm 147:3 reads, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” So, bask in Christ your Savior, and have a good heart!

Your Sister in Christ, Dcs. Suzanne Krahn

email: dcskrahn@splcwaco.com

PAGE 9 MESSENGER FEBRUARY 2017 MESSENGER

Everyone is welcome to the “Jesus Loves Me” Banquet! Everyone is welcome to the “Jesus Loves Me” Banquet! Everyone is welcome to the “Jesus Loves Me” Banquet! Come enjoy good food, fun, and fellowship! Come enjoy good food, fun, and fellowship! Come enjoy good food, fun, and fellowship!

The theme for the banquet will be “An Evening in Italy.” The theme for the banquet will be “An Evening in Italy.” The theme for the banquet will be “An Evening in Italy.”

It will feature a ‘selfie’ photo booth, so bring your smartphones & It will feature a ‘selfie’ photo booth, so bring your smartphones & It will feature a ‘selfie’ photo booth, so bring your smartphones & cameras and document the evening. cameras and document the evening. cameras and document the evening.

Deadline to signDeadline to signDeadline to sign---up is Sunday, January 29up is Sunday, January 29up is Sunday, January 29, , ,

to allow time for the caterer to prepare accordingly. to allow time for the caterer to prepare accordingly. to allow time for the caterer to prepare accordingly. SignSignSign---up in the church foyer. up in the church foyer. up in the church foyer.

Childcare will be provided, please note if this is a need when you signChildcare will be provided, please note if this is a need when you signChildcare will be provided, please note if this is a need when you sign---up. up. up.

This banquet is open to ALL, not just couples. This banquet is open to ALL, not just couples. This banquet is open to ALL, not just couples.

If you have questions, please contact the church office. If you have questions, please contact the church office. If you have questions, please contact the church office.

PAGE 10 MESSENGER FEBRUARY 2017

How to Support Your Church Choir (Part 1) By Steve Randolph

Last month I shared an article by James Tiefel about the role of the choir in Lutheran Worship. This month

and next, I will share excerpts from an internet post by PRAISE4EVER, which can be found in its entirety at:

https ://worshipsounds.wordpress.com/2014/02/13/how-to-help-keep-church-choirs-from-becoming-extinct/.

This post discusses what the congregation can do to support their church choir, and it is titled,

‘Congregational Support for the Church Choir.’

If you are a member of the congregation in a church that has a choir, here’s how you can support and

encourage their ministry:

1. Pray for your church choir. Pray for God to use them as they seek to minister and lead in worship,

and pray that God will speak to their hearts as they prepare spiritually and musically.

2. Listen attentively when the choir shares a message, whether that is a Choral Anthem or a worship

chorus that is being introduced by the choir.

3. Encourage! If a song shared by the choir was particularly meaningful or worshipful to you, let

them know! Share a word of encouragement or send a note or e-mail to the choir, Choir Director,

or Pastor expressing how the Lord has used that ministry in your own heart and life. (The people

who sing in choirs are not seeking accolades - if that was their motivation, they probably would

have given up long ago!) Choir members would rather hear about the spiritual impact of their

ministry than about the beauty of the music. They love the beauty of the music as well, but they

mainly want to know that what they are doing makes a difference for the Kingdom!

4. Attend any special presentations that your Choir has prepared, and invite others to come as

well. At most churches, there are special musical worship opportunities such as Christmas and

Easter programs. Attend these events, pray for those involved, and bring others with you.

************

-Next month I will conclude this article about the suggestions for what a congregations can do to support

their church choir (part 2) based on an internet post by PRAISE4EVER.

-Choir rehearsals are continuing on Wednesday evenings! Please join us as we work on Easter music.

JAM (Jesus And Me) Singers will also begin spring rehearsals this month! Any first through eighth grader

is welcome to join us! Call Stephanie Boesche for more information. - Steve

PAGE 11 MESSENGER FEBRUARY 2017

Children & Youth ActivitiesChildren & Youth ActivitiesChildren & Youth Activities email: board_of_ed@splcwaco.comemail: board_of_ed@splcwaco.comemail: board_of_ed@splcwaco.com

April 15—Easter Celebration (Egg Hunt &

Activities)

Spring 2017 - Garage Sale (collection dates

coming SOON!)

VBS - June 25-28, 2017

Summer 2017 - Youth Trip to Galveston

If you have questions, would like to volunteer to

help with events, or have ideas to share for

possible future events… please send an email to:

board_of_ed@splcwaco.com

Our Youth Group Bible Study gathers on the third Sunday of each month. Our next Bible study will be held on Feb. 19 in the Youth Room immediately following the 10:30am worship service. All High School students are encouraged to join us for a time of food, fellowship, fun & study of God’s Word together. If you have any questions, please contact Jerry Tucker.

Sunday School is rolling along…and we’re having fun and loving our materials! Remember, Sunday School for grades 1-5 begins in the Parish Hall @ 9:15am! We’re looking forward to making more connections in our community with some new service projects! Come and see what the BUZZ is all about!

Watch for registration details and volunteer sign-ups! We will need LOTS of volunteers to continue to have a successful VBS week!

If you have questions, please stop by the Sunday School Office.

We’re on the Web:

www.splcwaco.com

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February 2017 Edition

NON-PROFIT ORG.

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

PERMIT 925

WACO, TEXAS

Search for StPaulWaco and like our page.

Phone: 254.799.3211

Fax: 254.412.0529

www.splcwaco.com

March 1 March 1 March 1 --- Ash Wednesday WorshipAsh Wednesday WorshipAsh Wednesday Worship 12:00pm & 6:30pm

Confirmation Class follows evening worship March 8 March 8 March 8 --- Lenten Wednesday WorshipLenten Wednesday WorshipLenten Wednesday Worship 12:00pm & 6:30pm Confirmation Class follows evening worship March 15 March 15 March 15 --- Lenten Wednesday WorshipLenten Wednesday WorshipLenten Wednesday Worship 12:00pm & 6:30pm Confirmation Class follows evening worship

March 22 March 22 March 22 --- Lenten Wednesday WorshipLenten Wednesday WorshipLenten Wednesday Worship 12:00pm & 6:30pm Confirmation Class follows evening worship March 29 March 29 March 29 --- Lenten Wednesday WorshipLenten Wednesday WorshipLenten Wednesday Worship 12:00pm & 6:30pm Confirmation Class follows evening worship April 5 April 5 April 5 --- Lenten Wednesday WorshipLenten Wednesday WorshipLenten Wednesday Worship 12:00pm & 6:30pm Confirmation Class follows evening worship