Vol. 14, No.

St. Paul Lutheran 15156E. Pony Hill Rd. Nevada, MO 64772 417-667-7209 (office) Stpaulnevadamo @gmail.com Rev. Christopher Deines Pastor 417-321-4873 christopherdeines @gmail.com Worship 11:00 a.m. Sunday School 9:45 a.m.

THE

May 2014

E p is t l e of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Nevada, MO

Transition We are in a season of transition. We have moved from winter to spring, before long summer will be here. And this time of the year throws me for a loop each year. Kids are moving from middle school to high school, high school to college, college to graduate school, finding jobs, switching jobs, moving, spring brings about changes. I recently deep cleaned the garage because after sitting the whole winter with little being done to keep order, it needed to change. Its why there is spring cleaning nor winter or fall cleaning. The transitions dont stop there. I was worried one of our trees didn't make it through the winter, but alas, the tree looks healthy and the leaves are growing big. The wasps are out in full force after being gone for the whole of winter. Transitions are everywhere. It seems that the transition from winter to spring is much welcomed and yet difficult because for many people it throws us into the unknown. The future is up for grabs and the outcome of life is undecided. There is also another transition going on here. For several more weeks we celebrate the Easter season. We gather for worship to let the alleluias ring and we shout CHRIST IS RISEN! Jesus' transition from the grave is a transition for all of us. So we come to these life changes, these transitions and we understand that its not the only thing that is happening in our lives. We are made new by the cross of Christ and given life eternal, a transition above all transitions in our lives. For we know that there is a time to be born and a time to die, but through that, Jesus is there. While we attend graduations this May, while we gather together to mark these transitions in life. Let us also gather in the the of Jesus Christ to mark the life transition through the cross. For while we were still sinners Christ died to save us! Let us transition our lives in to faithful devotion to the one who has made all things new. Let us gather to regularly worship, to enter into a deeper relationship with God, to plunge into Word of God, to make ourselves a living sacrifice to our Lord and God. Let us live as transformed children of God, sharing and living the love of God. For God is love! Let us sprout and show the world that we are changed by the cross! Peace, Pastor Chris

Get ready! We're gearing up for the annual Salad Luncheon on Wednesday, June 18. Sign-ups for, workers and salad makers will be up outside the sanctuary or just call the chuch office to help. Proceeds will go to Community Outreach. Tickets in packets of 5 Willis ill be available to sell in mid-May. If you have any questions, please call Kathy Abele (448-4853) or Kathy Poe (321-0288).

Thanks received from: Dear Friends, Thank you for the prayers, cards and words of condolence during the loss of our mother, Martha Seewoester. My sister, two brothers and I were able to visit with Mom say our good byes and be with her until the end. Mom had a strong faith in God and his promise of eternal life. We, too, find comfort in Gods promise which sustains us thorough our grief. In Gods Love, Fred and Anna Seewoester Members of St. Paul, We are truly blessed to be part of a loving, caring Church Family! We would like to thank everyone for the delicious luncheon that was served after Lindas Memorial Service. Pastor Chris, Vicki and Reanna..thank you for your loving service! For the cards, hugs, prayers and words of comfort and support, we want to express our deepest thanks and appreciation. Linda is at peace with her father. We thank God that she didnt have to suffer long. May God continue to Bless each one of you. Jeanne, Jay, Sam and families St Paul Friends, There are not enough words to express the gratitude for all you have done. Bill and I were so humbled when a chili benefit was suggested, and I was brought to tears when Mary presented the check to me. The support, prayers, and cards reminded us of what Christian fellowship truly is. Everything that was done for Bill's service, and the meal that followed, was so appreciated by me and our families and friends. Thank you, and thank you for everything since September 18 and most especially during this most difficult of times. I grieve deeply for Billy, but my gratitude to God for him and our life together is deeper. I thank God everyday for your friendship. Love, Susan Burns Thanks to:

Dave McCullough who cleaned out the weedy section of the lawn next to the church and filled with mulch. The readers, the singers, the cooks, and all who made the Celebration of Life a special Sunday. Vicki Liley, Sarah Lathrop, Dyke Kiel and all the choir members for special music on Easter. The Youth Group for the Easter breakfast Kathy Abele who continues to keep the front flower beds beautiful. Kathy Poe for working each month to schedule volunteers.

Congratulations to: Chad Lathrop and Jenaleigh Petersen who were married April 26 in Springfield. Their address is 733 W. Downing, Springfield, MO 65807.

May Birthdays Kyle Brundridge Cole Abele Caroline Phillips Kevin Williams Becky Kiel Shirley Thomas Hannah Stratman Tom Harold Lola Quick Geoff Stewart Perry Bloesser Carter Landoll Lynn Anderson Connie McHugh Dave McCullough Justin Byergo Ronda Johnson Monique Campos Christopher Deines Rusty Johnson Kenny Biber May 1 May 2 May 2 May 2 May 4 May 4 May 6 May 7 May 8 May 11 May 12 May 13 May 17 May 20 May 24 May 24 May 25 May 25 May 26 May 28 May 29

May Anniversaries Jim & Norma Cory Chris & Cassie Eador Russ & Tammy Hogan Gregg & Kathy Poe Joe & Shirley Vincent Wayne & Mary Reinert Walter & Marjorie Johnson Clarence & Sharon Kamla Mike & Holly Klotz Tom & Grace Harold May 6, 2006 May 12, 2012 May 19, 1984 May 20, 1978 May 24, 1953 May 24,1969 May 25, 1984 May 25, 1991 May 29, 2004 May 29, 2004

May Congregational Life Committee: Dave & Patsy McCullough Wayne & Mary Reinert Nichole Anderson Dyke & Becky Kiel 667-3805 667-5303 667-0801 667-9557

St. Paul Lutheran Church 15156 E. Pony Hill Rd. Nevada, MO 64772