March 2024 Newsletter

December - March

St. Paul's - 10:30AM

Bristol - 8:30AM

REMINDER: Next month in April we switch times!!

Lenten Services 6:30PM @ BLC

March 6th

March 13th

March 20th

March 24th SPL10:30AM/BLC 8:30AM - Palm Sunday

March 28th 6:30PM @ BLC - Maundy Thursday

March 29th 6:30PM @ SPL - Good Friday

March 31st SPL10:30AM/BLC 8:30AM - Easter Sunday

"The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." – (Psalm 18:2)

There is an old Wisconsin saying most of us have heard.

“If you don’t like the weather… wait 10 minutes.”

As I am writing to you today, it is going to be close to 70 degrees. In February! And tonight, it is supposed to drop into the teens. I am in a T-shirt right now, and tomorrow I will need my winter jacket. What will next week bring? These shifting weather patterns mirror the changing seasons of our own lives. Amidst both literal and spiritual storms, Lent offers a chance to refocus on God's unwavering love.

Weathering Uncertainty with Faith

• Intentional Simplicity: During Lent, we often fast or abstain from certain things. Use this practice to simplify your life and create more space for prayer and reflection. The unpredictability of the weather itself can be a reminder of the temporariness of material things.
• Spiritual Shelter: When storms of life rage – whether emotional, spiritual, or even literal – turn to God. He is our refuge and strength (Psalm 46:1). Let the season of Lent be a time to deepen your prayer life and seek shelter in His presence.
• Compassion in Action: Just as uncertain weather can disrupt plans, so can difficulties in life – for us and for others. Offer kindness and practical support to those facing uncertainty. Lent reminds us to live out Jesus's example of love and service.
• Extend Grace: Unpredictable weather can cause frustrations and short tempers. Let's choose patience and kindness towards each other, just as God extends grace towards us.

Both Lent and the unpredictable weather speak to the ever-evolving seasons of our lives. Let's embrace the unknown trusting God in all things.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, as we journey through Lent, help us to find stillness within the unpredictable rhythms of life. Grant us wisdom to discern your path through changing circumstances. May we extend your grace and compassion towards others. Amen.

Peace+

Pastor Tim

The council meeting was held February 8 and kept brief because there were tornado warnings in Waterloo.

Aside from normal business of these meetings, we discussed the upcoming Lenten services. Please see the Service section of this newsletter!

Our congregations' Life and Outreach committees continue to meet jointly. The next event will be an Early Pi Day celebration on March 10 at Saint Paul's, with proceeds going to our Confirmation program. Pie donations are being accepted. A sign-up sheet will be on the table outside the church office. Following the service on March 10 we will sell whole pies or pie by the slice!

The committee is also looking into potential joint outings, such as to the Fireside Theater , or even a Madison Mallard's baseball game.

A committee is being formed to make decisions regarding a technology upgrade, and then to obtain bids, which will then be presented at a special congregational meeting. If you are interested in serving on this committee, please contact Jill Oelke or Rob Rowbotham.

The decision was made to cancel our weekly ads in The Courier due to the continued rise in the cost of publishing a weekly ad. It was felt that our service information is most likely to be found on our website or on our Facebook page, or by word-of-mouth.

We continue to explore where our congregation is headed, and plans for a visioning group are underway."

On March 10th we will be celebrating Pi day a bit eartly with a pie sale after 10:30AM church service. You will be able to purchase an individual piece or a whole pie. All funds recieved will go to the youth ministries.

We need people to donate pies! There is a sign up sheet in the narthex.

A special thank you to Tim, Lynn and Sam Anderson, Michaela Lewellin, Jamie Retzloff, Kristy, Nolan, & Riley Wilke, Jeremiah & Brayden Junkers and Larry & Val Silha, Adelyn & Lucy Buttendorf and Paige Nellen for volunteering at the food pantry during St. Paul's month. It was great that we had so many volunteers this month!!

Order forms for Easter flowers ordered from Waterloo Blooms are in the Narthex. You may also bring your own flowers and fill out a form if you would like them in memory of anyone. Deadline is March 17th.

3/1 Todd Heiman

3/1 Bryce Wegner

3/3 Emrynn Grunewald

3/6 Bob Schulenburg

3/8 Carmen Hinrichs

3/9 David Weber

3/11 Evan Pratt

3/12 Jean Harbort

3/12 Theresa Peachey

3/13 Robert Hanson

3/15 Joseph Jaehnke

3/15 Tracy Lauersdorf

3/16 Brittany Grunewald

3/16 Pat Schulenburg

3/17 Jamie Stock-Retzloff

3/22 Pat Hafenstein

3/25 Ava Jaehnke

3/28 Janelle Lauersdorf

3/31 Kelly McCunn

March 3rd

Usher: Leroy & Helen H., James K., Lyndon S.

Greeter: Don & Phyillis V.

Lector: Sharon B.

Prayer Leader: Sharon B.

Comm. Asst: Marilyn C.

Organist: Elizabeth C.

Videographer: Debra M.

Acolyte: Lyla S.

March 10th

Usher: Dennis & Jean B., Stephen P., Don V.

Greeter: Kris W. & Jan C.

Lector: Val S.

Prayer Leader: Val S.

Comm. Asst: Val S.

Organist: Elizabeth C.

Videographer: Jill O.

Acolyte: Ivy Y.

March 17th

Usher: Bob S., David B, Rob R.

Greeter: Don & Phyllis V.

Lector: Terry S.

Prayer Leader: Terry S.

Comm. Asst: Terry S.

Organist: Elizabeth C.

Videographer: Jill O.

Acolyte: Laila H.

March 24th

Usher: Russ P., Michaela L., Dale E.

Greeter: Russ P. & Marilyn C.

Lector: Debra M.

Prayer Leader: Debra M.

Comm. Asst: Debra M.

Organist: Elizabeth C.

Videographer: Jill O.

Acolyte: Emily B.

March 31st

Usher: Bob S., David B, Rob R.

Greeter: Kris W. & Jan C.

Lector: Jill O.

Prayer Leader: Jill O.

Comm. Asst: Jill O.

Organist: Elizabeth C.

Videographer: Debra M.

Acolyte: Tristan Van Buren

April 7th

Usher: Leroy & Helen H., James K., Lyndon S.

Greeter: Don & Phyillis V.

Lector: Val S.

Prayer Leader: Val S.

Comm. Asst: Val S.

Organist: Elizabeth C.

Videographer: Jill O.

Acolyte: Adeline M.

April 14th

Usher: Dennis & Jean B., Stephen P., Don V.

Greeter: Kris W. & Jan C.

Lector: Stephen P.

Prayer Leader: Debra M.

Comm. Asst: Debra M.

Organist: Elizabeth C.

Videographer: Jill O.

Acolyte: Cameron W.