Let's get down to it, "is Lent worth it?" We as Lutherans have celebrated the time from Ash Wednesday to Easter (and we should include Ascension too), but have we come to a point where it really means "not so much?" Perhaps many think it is that Christian "doom and gloom time?"
Yet Christians have continued to observe Lent for centuries. Does that mean so many of us like "gloom and doom?" No, of course not, Lent really can be worthwhile.
In the early church, adult candidates for Baptism spent the 40 days (we do not count Sundays) as a special time of intense instruction. They were preparing to be received into the church on the Easter Vigil, the Saturday night before Easter Sunday.
Yet, attempting to sit in intense instruction does not appear compatible, does not mesh with our 21st century life. So what can we do?

01) Worship often - In Lent, we like many churches add an extra service beyond the weekend. We begin on Ash Wednesday and flow to the Holy Week. Take advantage of these services to gain a bit more insight in God's love through Jesus Christ.

02) Read some Bible - Give it a try if you have not made this part of your life. Crack open the Gospels and read the passion accounts. (Matthew 26-27, Mark 14-15, Luke 22-23, and John 18-19)

03) Pray - Make some notes on a card for your daily pray life. You do not have to light candles and setup an altar, a conversation with God in the car works (just watch the road).

04) Remember the poor and hungry - Yes, some do not have it so good. So think about what you might do to help. Look for extra clothes never worn, donate. A food bank in the area, perhaps help (donate a few items)? I know the church has ideas.

​Yes, Lent can be gloomy thinking about death and pain, of the Savior Jesus Christ and His march to the cross. But His sacrifice for us is the special focus for the Holy Week that completes Lent. We then celebrate with the saints and all His church the glorious resurrection, the promise of heaven for the faithful; and for many, spring time is appearing. Yes, Lent is a spiritual springtime for all of us…
Your Pastor(s) at St. Paul

​A special time is coming up in the Church Year, and St. Paul’s is getting back into the swing of it; with some special services for the Easter season. Beginning with three services on Ash Wednesday, continuing through midweek Lent, and then with Good Friday and a joyous Easter celebration (see Events Cal postings or Worship Information on the Web); the entire journey of Jesus, Our Savior to the Cross and beyond will come clear.
Life may be tough, and St. Paul’s will do its best to help our earthly struggles, but Jesus paid the price for sin and reserves a spot in heaven for the faithful. During this time, we remember how He did it and why He did it. Because He loved us! 
Join us, please. Ask questions of the Pastor(s) when you see us. I know Pastor Warren is very excited and will lead all of the services (Pastor Prentice is preaching for Good Friday). 
Your St. Paul Pastor(s)

Hello to all the families of St. Paul's-Austin, and all those that are interested in joining this wonderful church.

​Perhaps by word of mouth, many have heard, "times are changing" here at Church. As the new year opens, we celebrate the Epiphany (the light of Christ shatters the darkness),we also celebrate the fact that two pastors are at the helm shepherding the flock.

That said, we welcome Reverend Warren and myself.

More information will come, and we ask you all to "look at the Web Site", see the Events Calendar; better yet, come on Sunday to begin or continue a walk with Christ.

Pastor Prentice

Do you remember when you were a kid and you put your hands together in a way and said, “Here is the church, here is the steeple, and when you open the doors, here are all the people?” And then you wiggled your fingers to show the people in the church. Each person is in the building, and together they make up the church.
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