For most of us, we can chart out a pretty good outline of our lives by the new beginnings that happened. June 1995—a new beginning in this world, born in California. May 1997—a new beginning as my sister was born and we moved to Wisconsin. June 2000—a new beginning as we moved to Illinois. August 2013—a new beginning as I started at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota. August 2017—a new beginning as I started Seminary in St. Louis. August 2020—a new beginning as I married my high school sweetheart, Kayla. June 2021—a new beginning as I was called to serve as pastor in Lexington. February 2024—a new beginning as my son, Joseph, was born. And now, April 2024—a new beginning as I begin to serve St. Paul Chenoa as pastor.
The thing about new beginnings is that they are rarely a completely blank slate. Each change brings something new, to be sure, but there is also a lot that is familiar. And that is also true of the new beginning at Easter. Jesus rose form the dead and began something new. We have a new life, a life that will last into eternity, but we still enjoy this world and all that God’s creation offers. It is true of the new beginning of baptism. We are called into a new life and a new relationship with God, but we are still the same person in our same family as before. It is true also of the new beginning for which we hope: “we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.” (I Corinthians 15:51b-52a), but the wonders of this creation will not be lost, “For the creation was subjected to futility … in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.” (Romans 8:20-21).
We can chart out our lives, and our hopes for the future, by looking at new beginnings. But in the face of everything new—a new job, a new house, a new pastor, a new creation—one thing stays the same: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8).
-Pastor Kyle Ronchetto, May 2024
In our Multi-Point Parish Agreement with Lexington there is a Multi-Point Parish Committee at each church. The purpose of the committee is to monitor the Multi-point Parish Agreement and recommend needed changes. The Committee will meet four times a year.
The Committee will consist of two Elders, Chairman, Pastor, and a Lay person. Cindy Meister has offered to be our lay person. If anyone else is interested, please see an Elder or Tom Norris by Sunday May 12.
On Sunday, May 5, the following two young people were confirmed.
Carolyn Rhea Schmidgall, daughter of Brad and Anna Schmidgall, was born January 20, 2010, baptized on February 21, 2010. Her sponsor was Jeanne Ingram. Carolyn chose Psalm 46:1 for her Confirmation verse. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present[b] help in trouble.”
Henry Kenneth Schmidgall, son of Brad and Anna Schmidgall, was born June 28, 2011, baptized on August 7, 2011. His sponsors were Mark and Jolene Harms. Henry chose Colossians 3:17 for his Confirmation verse. “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the LORD Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
We ask God’s blessings upon these young people and their family.
| Date | Attendance | Offering | Mission |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04-07 | 77 | 2371.00 | |
| 04-14 | 70 | 2911.00 | |
| 04-21 | 73 | 3090.31 | |
| 04-28 | 73 | 3071.00 | |
| Debt Retirement | 300.00 | ||
| Seminary Student | 605.00 | ||
| Car Portal | 200.00 | ||
| Parsonage Roof | 100.00 | ||
| Ladies Restroom | 100.00 |
Please notify Joy if anyone could be removed from the Prayer List.
The Ladies Bible Study group will meet on Wednesday 05/08/24 at 2p.m.for 1 hour. We will be studying Chosen: A Study of Esther by Donna Snow. From the cover of this Bible study: this comprehensive study provides clear biblical direction on how we also are chosen, equipped, and given God’s perfect counsel from Scripture.
These eight sessions examine Esther’s story to show that God’s hand is involved in every detail of our lives-whether or not we perceive His presence-and to teach us how to live wise, bold journeys of faith of our own.
We need to be in God’s Word to discern what is from God & what is of the world. One way to do this is to do Bible study, whether in a group or doing the study by yourself. Books will be available for any of the ladies who are interested in this Bible study. If there are no books available, please let Tom Norris know this so additional copies can be ordered.
We will be meeting on the following dates to review the specified readings.
Prayerfully consider joining us in this Bible study.
Book Club - We will be meeting Thursday May 23rd at 6pm for dinner at the home of Elizabeth Easley. This will be our final gathering until next fall. Everyone is to pick their favorite Cookbook, history of that book, and share a recipe from it. Looking forward to seeing everyone!
As per Tom’s request the balances of the church’s account are as follows:
